Entry-Level CRA Jobs Hiring Now At Multiple Locations In Ontario!

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) jobs hiring now across Ontario without any prior experience paying up to $76,545 per year. It is best to apply as soon as possible because CRA will prioritize the first 500 people who apply and meet the staffing requirements. Then, as needed, other applicants may be considered. 

• Location: various locations in Ontario 
• Salary: $68,012 to $76,545
• Closing date: November 21, 2022, 11:59 PM Eastern Time 

About the position and offered benefits 

The CRA provides some of the most sought-after benefit plans, career development opportunities, and attractive pay rates, among other things:

• Flexible schedules to help you find the proper balance between work and personal life.
• Generous vacation and other leave provisions (e.g., family-related, sick days, etc.);
• A healthcare plan that covers many of life’s events, such as medical, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care, out-of-province medical bills and hospitalizations, etc.
• Access to a suitable pension plan;
• A workplace that promotes workforce diversity and talent development.

Who can apply? 

Individuals living in Canada on a valid status, Canadian citizens and permanent residents living abroad are welcome to apply. The applicant must reside in Ontario region only. 

However, preference will be given to veterans, Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Selected applicants will be notified in writing of the next step in the hiring process.

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Position duties and responsibilities 

The CRA is looking for individuals to join the SP-05 and SP-06 teams. The employment responsibilities will differ depending on the role. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Duties for SP-05 Salary Range – $62,858 to $70,749

• Audit and examine taxpayers’ returns, books, records, taxpayer requests, and supporting documentation to ensure and enforce compliance with the CRA’s statutes.

or

• Examines objections, requests for appeal and assessment, fairness reviews, and takes decisions to confirm, vacate, or vary the notice of objection, request for appeal, or notice of assessment.

 Duties for SP-06 Salary Range – $68,012 to $76,545

• Respond to raised issues and other dispute requests filed or received from the Ombudsman Liaison Office by taxpayers and their representatives.
• Settle objection notices, discretionary requests for review, deadline extension requests, Fairness Program requests, and other requests made by taxpayers and their representatives.

or

• Enforce employer compliance about reporting taxable benefits and income from office or employment, including related withholding and remitting requirements.

or

• Audit and review returns and applications to ensure compliance with Canada Revenue Agency statutes (CRA).

or

• Performing taxpayer audits, regulatory reviews, licensing/registration, and giving technical advice to ensure compliance with CRA-administered excise duty and tax legislation.

Job Requirements 

Language requirements

• English essential
• Bilingual imperative CBC/CBC

Essential Requirements 

Education: A secondary school diploma AND completion of the following courses or fields of study from a recognized post-secondary institution or a recognized professional accounting association:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Intermediate Financial Reporting 2; Or
• FA3; Or
• Intermediate Financial Accounting 2; Or
• Intermediate Accounting 2.

To learn more about CRA’s minimum education standard, visit  SP Group II – Intermediate Accounting. 

Ensure you upload your educational credentials to your candidate profile’s Education Section and submit all required documentation with your application by the closing date. If you do not comply, your application may be rejected.

Please keep in mind that all educational documents must be clear and legible. Your name and institution must be included on the proof. Accounting courses, course codes, course names, and grades must all be listed on transcripts. Additionally, CRA will not accept editable documents or mailed documents. 

Experience: No prior experience is necessary 

How to apply? 

Candidates should submit their online application, educational qualifications, and other relevant documents as soon as possible. Moreover, there is no need to submit your CV and cover letter. 

On an ongoing basis, candidates will be assessed against the prerequisite staffing requirements. You will be invited to an assessment if you meet the prerequisite staffing standards.

To submit your application, click here. Fill out all details asked in the candidate profile and ensure you upload your education documents. The requisition number for this position is 58805698. 

• 
  Latest IRCC Processing Times As Of July 2026

  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released its latest processing time data on July 22, 2026, and this update is dominated by a continuing surge in citizenship certificate backlogs alongside meaningful improvement in several permanent residency streams.

  Citizenship certificate processing has now reached 19 months, with an additional 17,500 applicants joining the queue since the last reporting cycle.

  That makes it the third consecutive month of sharp increases in this category after the figure sat at just three months as recently as March 2026.

  On the positive side, citizenship grant timelines improved for the first time in several months, dropping to 12 months as the queue contracted slightly by 200 applicants.

  Parents and grandparents sponsorship outside Quebec delivered the strongest family class improvement at 30 months, two months faster than the June update.

  The Canadian Experience Class dropped to six months; non-Express Entry PNP fell to 12 months; and inland work permits continued their dramatic decline, reaching 129 days.

  IRCC calculates these timelines using actual applicant outcomes, reporting the window within which 80% of applicants received a decision.

  Monthly categories like citizenship, permanent residency, and family sponsorship were refreshed on July 7.

  Weekly categories like visitor visas, study permits, work permits, and PR cards were last updated on July 22.

  Temporary residence processing times are updated by the IRCC on a weekly basis, so check back regularly, as we will update this article with the latest weekly data as it becomes available.

  The July data arrives alongside a continued Express Entry draw cluster that began on July 6 with a PNP round and continued on July 7 with a CEC draw issuing 2,000 invitations.

  Applicants who submit incomplete documentation remain one of the leading refusal reasons across all IRCC categories, making thorough preparation essential during these processing windows.

  Below is a full breakdown of every processing time in the July 2026 release.

  Citizenship Processing Times (Updated monthly)

  Application Type	People Waiting (Change)	Processing Time (July 7, 2026)	Change Since June 2, 2026	Change Since May 12, 2026	Change Since April 7, 2026
  Citizenship grant	~326,200 (-200)	12 months	-1 month	-1 month	No change
  Citizenship certificate*	~99,500 (+17,500)	19 months	+4 months	+7 months	+6 months
  Resumption of citizenship	Not available	Not enough data	No change	No change	No change
  Renunciation of citizenship	Not available	7 months	No change	No change	-3 months
  Search of citizenship records	Not available	17 months	No change	No change	No change

  IRCC is currently sending acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) notices for citizenship applications that were submitted on or around March 19, 2026.

  * Applicants residing outside Canada or the United States may face longer processing windows.

  Permanent Resident Card Processing Times (Updated weekly)

  Application Type	Processing Time (July 22, 2026)	Change Since Last Week	Change Since March 31	Change Since January 21
  New PR card	41 days	+2 days	-10 days	-21 days
  PR card renewal	40 days	+3 days	+13 days	+9 days

  Family Sponsorship Processing Times (Updated monthly)

  Category	People Waiting (Change)	Processing Time (July 7, 2026)	Change Since June 2, 2026	Change Since May 12, 2026	Change Since April 7, 2026
  Spouse/common-law outside Canada (non-Quebec)	~54,100 (+2,800)	17 months	+1 month	+1 month	+2 months
  Spouse/common-law outside Canada (Quebec)	~18,600 (No change)	33 months	No change	+1 month	+1 month, but -2 months since March 2026
  Spouse/common-law inside Canada (non-Quebec)	~56,900 (+1,700)	27 months	+1 month	+2 months	+3 months
  Spouse/common-law inside Canada (Quebec)	~13,700 (+600)	32 months	No change	+1 month	+1 month
  Parents/grandparents (non-Quebec)	~40,400 (-3,100)	30 months	-2 months	-3 months	-4 months
  Parents/grandparents (Quebec)	~10,500 (-500)	65 months	-2 months	-1 month	-2 months

  Humanitarian and Compassionate And Protected Persons (Updated monthly)

  Category	People Waiting (Change)	Processing Time (July 7, 2026)	Change Since June 2, 2026	Change Since May 12, 2026	Change Since April 7, 2026
  H&C outside Quebec	~54,500 (+1,500)	More than 10 years	No change	No change	No change
  H&C in Quebec	~19,700 (+600)	More than 10 years	No change	No change	No change
  Protected persons inside Canada (outside Quebec)	~98,300 (-5,800)	About 14 months	-1 month	-1 month	-2 months
  Protected persons inside Canada (in Quebec)	~40,900 (+1,900)	More than 120 months	+1 month	+3 months	+6 months
  Dependents of protected persons (outside Quebec)	~60,800 (+1,500)	About 38 months	+3 months	+6 months	+6 months
  Dependents of protected persons (in Quebec)	~22,100 (+600)	More than 10 years	No change	No change	No change

  Canadian Passport Processing Times

  Application Type	Current Processing Time	Change
  New passport (in person, Canada)	10 business days	No change
  New passport (mail, Canada)	20 business days	No change
  Urgent pickup	Next business day	No change
  Express pickup	2–9 business days	No change
  Passport mailed from outside Canada	20 business days	No change

  https://youtu.be/9hFxQX5hiOc?si=tqQ0tR0ij0ihPm6X

  Permanent Residency Processing Times (Updated monthly)

  Category	People Waiting (Change)	Processing Time (July 7, 2026)	Change Since June 2, 2026	Change Since May 12, 2026	Change Since April 7, 2026
  Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	~61,500 (+600)	6 months	-1 month	-1 month	-1 month
  Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)	~55,800 (+3,800)	7 months	No change	No change	+1 month
  Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)	Not available	Not enough data	No change	No change	No change
  PNP (Express Entry)	~12,100 (-1,900)	7 months	+1 month	No change	+1 month
  Non-Express Entry PNP	~103,800 (-6,400)	12 months	-1 month	-2 months	-1 month
  Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)	~22,200 (-2,600)	11 months	No change	No change	No change
  Quebec Business Class	~3,700 (No change)	75 months	-1 month	-3 months	-3 months
  Federal Self-Employed	~8,100 (No change)	More than 10 years	No change	No change	No change
  Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	~12,300 (-600)	26 months	No change	-12 months	-5 months
  Start Up Visa	~47,500 (+900)	More than 10 years	No change	No change	No change

  Temporary Visa Processing Times (Updated weekly)

  IRCC updates temporary residence processing times on a weekly basis, and the figures below reflect data as of July 22, 2026.

  The next weekly update is expected on July 29, and this article will be refreshed accordingly, so check back later for the latest numbers.

  Visitor Visas From Outside Canada

  Country	Processing Time (July 22, 2026)	Change Since Last Week	Change Since January 28, 2026
  India	21 days	+1 day	-61 days
  United States	27 days	-1 day	+2 days
  Nigeria	63 days	+2 days	+23 days
  Pakistan	40 days	+1 day	-16 days
  Philippines	16 days	-1 day	No change

  Visitor Visa From Inside Canada

  Visitor visa applications filed from inside Canada now take 29 days, 5 days lower than last week.

  Visitor Record Extension

  Visitor record extensions continue to remain high at 214 days, 2 days lower than the last week, but still 53 days higher than January 28, 2026.

  Super Visa Processing Times

  Country	Processing Time (July 22, 2026)	Change Since Last Week	Change Since January 28, 2026
  India	49 days	-1 day	-201 days
  United States	124 days	-2 days	-63 days
  Nigeria	39 days	+3 days	+1 day
  Pakistan	194 days	+7 days	+70 days
  Philippines	68 days	-5 days	-41 days

  The super visa timeline for India has dropped by 201 days since January 2026, making it the strongest sustained improvement of any temporary category this year.

  Pakistan is the clear outlier, spiking to 194 days, the highest figure for any super visa country in the July data.

  Study Permit Processing Times

  Country	Processing Time (July 22, 2026)	Change Since Last Week	Change Since January 28, 2026
  India	5 weeks	No change	+1 week
  United States	5 weeks	No change	-3 weeks
  Nigeria	5 weeks	No change	No change
  Pakistan	6 weeks	No change	+2 weeks
  Philippines	4 weeks	No change	-1 week

  Study Permit From Inside Canada: Inland study permit applications take 7 weeks, no change since last week, but 1 week higher than the June 24 update.

  Study Permit Extension: Study permit extensions now take 72 days, 2 days higher than the last week but still 32 days less than January 28, 2026.

  Work Permit Processing Times

  Country	Processing Time (July 22, 2026)	Change Since Last Week	Change Since January 28, 2026
  India	9 weeks	No change	+1 week
  United States	3 weeks	No change	-7 weeks
  Nigeria	6 weeks	No change	-3 weeks
  Pakistan	10 weeks	+3 weeks	-10 weeks
  Philippines	7 weeks	+1 week	+1 week

  Work Permit From Inside Canada (Initial and Extension): Inland work permits, including extensions, have dropped to 122 days, 2 days lower than the last week, 84 days fewer than the May 20 update, 130 days below March 31, and 114 days below January 28, 2026.

  The sustained decline in this category continues to be one of the most significant positive trends in the 2026 processing data.

  Other Work Permit Categories

  The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program is now at 47 days, 8 days higher than last week and 36 days higher than the May 20 update.

  International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits sit at 6 weeks, no change since the prior weekly update, but 3 weeks above March 31 and one week below December 31, 2025.

  Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) approvals continue to arrive within roughly five minutes for most travellers, with up to 72 hours required for applicants flagged for additional screening.

  The July 2026 IRCC processing times show an immigration system making measurable gains in economic and family sponsorship categories while citizenship certificate processing continues to deteriorate at an accelerating pace.

  Inland work permits at 122 days, CEC at six months, parents and grandparents sponsorship down four months since April, and super visa timelines near historic lows for India are all positive indicators that IRCC is clearing backlogs in targeted streams.

  July also marks the start of a new CRA benefit year with higher indexed payments across most federal programs, adding a financial dimension to the immigration timeline picture for newcomers and permanent residents.

  Applicants should file early, submit complete documentation, and check their IRCC portals regularly to stay ahead of any requests that could extend their wait.

  For the latest developments on Canadian immigration news, evolving policy landscapes, and IRCC processing times, save this page and return regularly as new weekly and monthly data drops throughout 2026.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Why has citizenship certificate processing jumped from 15 months to 19 months in a single update?

  IRCC has seen a massive influx of citizenship certificate applications driven largely by the Bill C-3 citizenship by descent provisions that came into effect in December 2025. Thousands of Americans and other foreign nationals with Canadian ancestry have filed applications under the expanded eligibility rules, adding significant volume to a category that was already under strain. The queue grew by 17,500 applicants in the latest cycle alone, reaching approximately 99,500 people. IRCC processes these applications in the order they are received, and the current staffing allocation has not kept pace with the surge in demand. Applicants in this category should expect continued longer timelines until IRCC either increases processing capacity or the initial wave of new applications stabilizes.

  How are IRCC processing times calculated, and do they guarantee when I will receive my decision?

  IRCC processing times represent the window within which 80% of applicants in a given category received a final decision. They are based on historical outcomes from recently completed applications, not forward projections. This means 20% of applicants will wait longer than the published estimate. Individual timelines depend on factors like the complexity of your file, whether additional security screening is required, the completeness of your documentation, and the specific processing office handling your case. The published figures are useful benchmarks for setting realistic expectations, but they are not guarantees of when any individual applicant will receive a decision.

  Why are spousal sponsorship processing times increasing across all four streams?

  Spousal sponsorship processing times have been rising steadily throughout 2026 across all four streams, with inside Canada, non-Quebec, now at 27 months and outside Canada, non-Quebec, at 17 months. This upward trend reflects a combination of growing application volumes and IRCC’s resource allocation priorities under the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan. The department has been directing processing capacity toward clearing economic class backlogs and temporary residence applications, which has come at the expense of family class throughput. Quebec streams carry additional processing time because applications must also be reviewed by the provincial immigration ministry before federal processing can conclude.

  What does implied status mean for applicants waiting for a work permit extension inside Canada?

  If you submitted your work permit extension application before your current permit expired, you have what is known as implied status under Canadian immigration law. This means you are legally authorized to continue working under the same conditions as your previous permit while IRCC processes your renewal. Implied status does not produce a new physical document, so you should keep copies of your expired permit, your application confirmation, and your payment receipt as proof of your status. If your original application was not submitted before your permit expired, you do not have implied status and must stop working until new authorization is granted. With inland work permits now processing in 129 days, applicants who filed on time can generally expect a decision within that window.

  Can I check which processing office is handling my application to estimate my personal wait time?

  IRCC does not publicly disclose which specific processing office is assigned to your application, and the processing times published on the official IRCC tool are national averages rather than office-specific figures. Some applicants can identify their processing office through correspondence received from IRCC, such as acknowledgement of receipt letters or requests for additional documents. However, knowing the office does not change your place in the queue or allow you to request a transfer. If your application has exceeded the published processing time for your category, you can submit a case inquiry through the IRCC web form. For Express Entry applications specifically, the processing office is typically the centralized operations centre, and timelines are more standardized than in other categories.

  Fact-check: All processing times, queue figures, and comparison data in this article are sourced directly from the official IRCC processing time tool updated on July 15, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a regulated immigration professional for guidance on your specific case.

• 
  2 New IRCC Updates For Canada PR And Open Work Permit Applications

  Two Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada – IRCC updates appeared on consecutive days this week, and both were written for officers rather than applicants.

  Neither arrived as a headline announcement, and neither is easy to find unless you already know where to look.

  One of them quietly expands what a person can apply for while a decision sits in the queue.

  The other clarifies that H&C considerations cannot override eligibility conditions established directly under a public policy.

  Read together, they introduce two separate changes affecting in-Canada permanent residence and temporary-status applications.

  Update 1: An Open Work Permit Route Now Sits Inside A PR Public Policy

  The updated policy applies to French-speaking graduates who studied outside Quebec under the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot.

  That pilot was first announced in August 2024 and targets students from regions with historically high study permit refusal rates.

  Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab signed the replacement policy at Ottawa on June 25, 2026.

  The policy took effect on the date of signature and expires on November 30, 2032.

  It applies only to applications that IRCC receives on or after the effective date.

  Although the policy is legally in effect, IRCC says the permanent residence pathway will open for applications in winter 2027, with full application instructions to be released later.

  The most consequential change is visible in the title of the document itself.

  The version signed on September 18, 2025, addressed the granting of permanent residence only.

  The replacement policy addresses permanent residence and the issuance of open work permits.

  That single addition builds a work authorization route directly into the permanent residence pathway.

  What The New Policy Replaces

  The June 2026 policy revokes and replaces the September 2025 version in full.

  The text sets one application rule and does not describe any re-assessment process for files received earlier.

  IRCC can revoke the policy at any time without prior notice, which is standard language for instruments issued under section 25.2 of the Act.

  The Five Parts Of The Updated Public Policy

  The policy is structured into five distinct parts, and each part covers a different applicant group.

  Part	Who It Covers	What It Grants
  Part 1	Principal applicants inside Canada	Permanent resident status
  Part 2	Family members already inside Canada	Permanent resident status
  Part 3	Family members outside Canada	Exemptions when applying for a permanent resident visa
  Part 4	Principal applicants inside Canada	Open work permit, status extension, or restoration of status
  Part 5	Family members inside and outside Canada	Open work permit, study permit, temporary resident visa, extension, or restoration

  Every Condition You Must Meet For Permanent Residence Under Part 1

  Delegated officers may grant permanent resident status only when an applicant satisfies all listed conditions.

  Missing a single item is enough to end the application, and there is no partial credit anywhere in the framework.

  1. Hold or have held a study permit issued as a principal applicant under the pilot.
  2. Submit a permanent residence application specifically under this public policy.
  3. Complete every requirement of a full-time program before IRCC receives that application.
  4. Ensure the program ran at least two years and led to a degree or diploma.
  5. Confirm that more than 50% of the classes in that program were delivered in French.
  6. The designated learning institution must have signed a memorandum of understanding with IRCC when the study permit was issued.
  7. Attach the degree or diploma, or a completion letter from the institution if the credential is pending.
  8. Hold authorization to study for the entire duration of the education completed in Canada.
  9. Live in Canada outside Quebec with valid status, or have applied for and remain eligible for restoration.
  10. Be physically present in Canada on the day permanent residence is granted.
  11. Intend to settle in a province or territory other than Quebec.
  12. Submit the application online using the electronic form identified for this public policy.
  13. Avoid inadmissibility under Division 4 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

  How The New Open Work Permit Works Under Part 4

  Part 4 is the piece that did not appear in the earlier version of this open work permit framework.

  It applies to principal applicants who hold or previously held a study permit facilitated under the pilot.

  The applicant must hold valid temporary resident status in Canada as a worker, student, or visitor.

  Applicants who lost status can still qualify if they applied for restoration of temporary resident status and remain eligible.

  The requested work permit cannot exceed three years in duration under the terms of the policy.

  The application must be tied to a permanent residence application already pending under Part 1.

  Proof of graduation must accompany the request as either the credential itself or an institutional completion letter.

  Part 4 also covers extensions of authorization to remain in Canada and restoration applications under section 182.

  This matters because more than 314,000 work permits expired in the first quarter of 2026 alone.

  Part 4: Open Work Permit Route At A Glance
  Step 1: Graduate from an eligible French-taught program	Step 2: File PR application under Part 1	Step 3: Apply for open work permit under Part 4	Step 4: Work up to 3 years while PR is pending

  Which Legal Requirements The Policy Waives

  The policy lists precisely which provisions officers may set aside, and the list differs by part.

  These exemptions are the legal mechanism that makes the work permit and visa facilitation possible.

  Provision	Requirement Waived	Applies To
  Paragraph 20(1)(b) of the Act	Establishing departure by the end of the authorized stay	Parts 4 and 5
  Subsection 22(2) of the Act	Establishing departure by the end of the authorized stay	Parts 4 and 5
  Paragraph 179(b) of the Regulations	Departure requirement for a visa, extension, or restoration	Parts 4 and 5
  Paragraphs 199(a) to (i)	Conditions for applying for a work permit after entering Canada	Parts 4 and 5
  Paragraph 200(1)(b)	Departure requirement for a work permit	Parts 4 and 5
  Paragraph 200(1)(c)	Requirement to fall within a described category	Parts 4 and 5
  Paragraph 216(1)(b)	Departure requirement for a study permit	Part 5 only
  Paragraph 10(2)(c)	Naming the prescribed class on the application	Part 3 only
  Paragraphs 70(1)(a), (c) and (d)	Class membership and class selection criteria	Part 3 only
  Subsection 70(4)	Family member definition for a child of any age	Part 3 only

  Applicants remain subject to every eligibility and admissibility requirement that the policy does not expressly exempt.

  What Changes For Family Members Inside And Outside Canada

  Part 2 covers family members already in Canada who are included in the principal applicant’s permanent residence application.

  They must hold valid temporary resident status, or have applied for restoration and remain eligible for it.

  They must also intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec.

  Part 3 covers accompanying family members who apply for a permanent resident visa from outside Canada.

  Both parts extend eligibility to a child of any age who already received status under the pilot as a dependent child.

  Part 5 lets those family members apply for work permits, study permits, visitor visas, extensions, or restoration.

  Work permits issued to family members under Part 5 carry the same three-year maximum.

  This is a wider grant than the spousal open work permit rules that apply to most other temporary residents in Canada.

  Key Dates For The Updated Public Policy
  June 25, 2026 Signed and in force	July 21, 2026 Published on canada.ca	November 30, 2032 Scheduled expiry	Anytime, revocable without notice

  Update 2: IRCC Confirms Compassionate Grounds Cannot Rescue These Applications

  The second update is operational guidance for officers processing in-Canada permanent residence applications filed under public policies.

  It addresses what happens when an applicant also requests humanitarian and compassionate consideration in the same file.

  The guidance confirms that officers do not have authority to use H&C considerations to exempt applicants from conditions established by the minister in a public policy.

  Why Public Policy Conditions Sit Outside The Act

  The minister creates these policies using authority under section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

  Public policies are not part of the Act or the Regulations, even though the minister issues them under statutory authority.

  Under section 25(1), an officer must generally consider a written humanitarian request made from inside Canada.

  That duty attaches to requirements of the Act, and not to conditions a minister writes into a public policy.

  Officers therefore hold no authority to grant an exemption from a condition set inside the policy itself.

  An applicant who misses a condition and asks for humanitarian and compassionate consideration to overcome it will be refused.

  The guidance also confirms that applicants receive no separate, distinct decision on humanitarian grounds.

  Exactly What An Officer Must Do Now

  14. Acknowledge the humanitarian and compassionate request inside the refusal letter.
  15. Explain that the request cannot overcome the conditions written into the public policy.
  16. Refuse the application and explicitly identify which requirement the applicant failed to meet.
  17. Advise the applicant to file a fresh permanent residence application on humanitarian grounds.
  18. Confirm that the new application requires payment of the applicable fees.

  Where Procedural Fairness Still Protects Applicants

  Officers must generally follow procedural fairness guidelines when they are not satisfied that an applicant meets the criteria.

  That means informing the applicant of the concern and allowing a response with additional supporting information.

  The guidance carves out one exception that applicants should understand before they file.

  Where a public policy requires applicants to submit all documentation needed for assessment, no further opportunity is required.

  In those cases an incomplete submission can be refused without any request for more evidence.

  Part 1 of the student pilot policy requires the credential or the completion letter to be included with the application.

  How A Public Policy Application Is Decided After These Updates
  All conditions met	Officer may grant permanent resident status under the public policy
  One condition missed	Application is refused and the specific failed requirement is named
  H&C also requested	Request is acknowledged but cannot override any policy condition
  Separate H&C decision	Not provided, because the public policy decision resolves the file
  Next step available	File a new permanent residence application on H&C grounds and pay the fees

  Summary Of IRCC Updates On July 21 And July 22

  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada refreshed two separate canada.ca pages within a single 24-hour window.

  The first is a ministerial public policy signed on June 25, 2026, and posted publicly on July 21.

  The second is internal processing guidance for decision-makers, published one day later on July 22.

  One update opens a benefit that did not previously exist in the policy text.

  The other clarifies how officers must handle H&C requests submitted with applications under in-Canada permanent residence public policies.

  Update	Date Published	Document Type	What It Covers
  Updated Francophone student pilot public policy	July 21, 2026	Public policy under section 25.2 of IRPA	Permanent residence plus open work permits, study permits and status restoration
  H&C requests inside PR granting public policies	July 22, 2026	Operational guidance for IRCC staff	How officers must handle humanitarian requests filed within a public policy application

  How The Two Updates Affect Different Applicants

  Canada set a francophone immigration target of 9% of permanent resident admissions outside Quebec for 2026.

  That target rises in later years under a longer-term plan to reach 12% by 2029.

  IRCC has leaned heavily on French language proficiency draws to move toward those numbers this year.

  It has also run the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot alongside the student pathway.

  Adding work authorization to a student-to-permanent-residence route keeps graduates employed while processing times run their course.

  The humanitarian guidance points in the opposite direction and tightens the discretion available at the decision stage.

  That tightening follows a broader pattern visible in the pause on parent and grandparent sponsorship earlier this month.

  It also echoes the narrowing seen across asylum processing under Bill C-12 this spring.

  Humanitarian applications already sit in one of the longest backlogs anywhere in the system.

  Who Is Affected And Who Is Not

  Group	Effect Of These Updates
  Graduates of the French-taught pilot programs	Gain a defined open work permit route while permanent residence is pending
  Family members of those graduates	Gain access to work permits, study permits, visas, extensions, and restoration
  Applicants who miss one policy condition	Face refusal, with the failed condition named explicitly in the letter
  Anyone filing H&C inside a public policy application	Receive acknowledgement only, with no separate humanitarian decision
  Standalone H&C applicants outside a public policy	Unaffected, since the guidance addresses public policy files specifically
  Quebec-destined applicants	Excluded, because the policy requires residence and intent outside Quebec

  Graduates outside this pilot should continue tracking the standard bridging open work permit route instead.

  Workers waiting on renewals should also review the current maintained status rules before their permits lapse.

  Broader federal and provincial shifts this month are covered in our July 2026 immigration changes roundup.

  Candidates weighing timing should also watch how invitation volumes are trending for the rest of the year.

  These two updates pull in opposite directions, and that contrast is the real story of the week.

  One builds a work authorization bridge into a permanent residence pathway that runs to the end of 2032.

  The other confirms that H&C authority cannot be used to waive a condition the minister established under a public policy.

  Applicants in these streams now have a wider benefit and a much narrower margin for error.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Does a refusal under this public policy create a bar on future applications?

  A refusal for failing a policy condition is not a finding of inadmissibility under Division 4 of the Act. The guidance itself directs officers to tell refused applicants they may re-apply for permanent residence on humanitarian grounds. That instruction only makes sense if the refusal leaves the person free to file again. A refusal involving misrepresentation is an entirely different matter and carries its own consequences.

  Can a person granted permanent residence under this policy move to Quebec afterwards?

  The policy conditions test residence and intent at the application and granting stage, not afterwards. The published text contains no post-landing residency condition and no mechanism to monitor where a person settles later. Permanent residents in Canada also hold mobility rights under section 6 of the Charter. Applicants should still be truthful about intent, because stated intent at the time of application is what officers assess.

  What happens if the school withdraws from the IRCC agreement after the study permit is issued?

  The condition is written around the moment the study permit was issued, not the moment the graduate applies. If the institution was a signatory to the memorandum of understanding at that earlier point, the requirement is satisfied. A later withdrawal by the school does not retroactively remove that fact. Applicants in this position should keep documentation showing the institution’s status on the study permit issue date.

  Can the open work permit be renewed if permanent residence has not been decided within three years?

  The policy text covers both a work permit and a work permit renewal, each capped at three years. Renewal eligibility still requires a permanent residence application pending under Part 1 at the time of the request. If the permanent residence application is refused or withdrawn, the basis for facilitation under Part 4 falls away. Applicants should apply well before expiry rather than relying on a renewal being processed quickly.

  What happens to family members if the principal applicant is refused?

  Permanent residence facilitation for family members under Parts 2 and 3 depends on the principal applicant meeting all Part 1 conditions and being granted permanent residence. Temporary permits and status facilitation under Part 5 are available while the principal applicant’s permanent residence application remains pending. If that application is refused or withdrawn, the pending-application requirement under Part 5 would no longer be met.

  Fact-Checked: Every date, part number, regulatory citation, condition, and exemption in this article was verified directly against the two official IRCC pages published on July 21 and July 22, 2026. Policy signature details, the November 30, 2032 expiry, the three-year work permit maximum, and the officer instructions on humanitarian requests were confirmed in the source text as of July 23, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently, so verify all requirements directly on canada.ca before applying.

• 
  Latest Express Entry Draw On July 22 Sent 5,000 PR Invitations

  Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 5,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence through a French language proficiency category draw on July 22, 2026.

  The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for this round dropped to 399, a sharp 21-point decline from the 420 threshold in the July 9 French draw.

  The 399 cutoff is the lowest for any French language draw since March 18, when the threshold hit 393 with only 4,000 invitations.

  This is the seventh Express Entry draw of July 2026, bringing total confirmed invitations for the month to 15,545.

  The draw completes the second draw cluster of July, mirroring the PNP, CEC, and French sequence from the first cluster earlier this month.

  July 22, 2026 Express Entry Draw Details

  The table below summarizes the official draw details for French language proficiency category round #429.

  Draw Detail	Information
  Draw Number	#429
  Category	French-Language Proficiency 2026-Version 2
  Draw Date	July 22, 2026
  Draw Time (UTC)	11:12:26
  CRS Cutoff Score	399
  Invitations Issued	5,000
  Rank Required	5,000 or above
  Tie-Breaking Timestamp	November 19, 2025, at 21:21:56 UTC

  The full text of the Ministerial Instruction for this draw is available on the IRCC website.

  All French Language Express Entry Draws in 2026

  The table below tracks all eight French language proficiency draws IRCC has conducted in 2026, showing the CRS reversal from the July 9 peak.

  Draw #	Date	Invitations	CRS
  429	July 22, 2026	5,000	399
  425	July 9, 2026	5,000	420
  418	May 28, 2026	4,500	409
  414	April 29, 2026	4,000	400
  411	April 15, 2026	4,000	419
  405	March 18, 2026	4,000	393
  401	March 4, 2026	5,500	397
  394	February 6, 2026	8,500	400

  IRCC has issued a combined 40,500 French language proficiency invitations across eight draws in 2026.

  All Express Entry Draws in July 2026

  IRCC held seven Express Entry draws in July 2026 across four categories, issuing a combined 15,545 invitations to apply for permanent residence.

  #	Date	Round Type	ITAs	CRS
  429	July 22	French-Language Proficiency	5,000	399
  428	July 21	Canadian Experience Class	2,000	516
  427	July 20	Provincial Nominee Program	511	744
  426	July 10	Senior Managers (Can. Work Exp.)	500	392
  425	July 9	French-Language Proficiency	5,000	420
  424	July 7	Canadian Experience Class	2,000	517
  423	July 6	Provincial Nominee Program	534	708
  		July 2026 Total	15,545

  July 2026 is one of the strongest months for Express Entry invitations in the year, driven by the biweekly two-cluster approach.

  Second Draw Cluster Completes the Biweekly Pattern

  The July 22 French draw completes the second draw cluster of the month, confirming the biweekly scheduling pattern.

  The first cluster ran July 6 through July 10 with PNP, CEC, French, and senior manager draws across five days.

  The second cluster ran July 20 through July 22 with PNP, CEC, and French draws on three consecutive days, an even tighter grouping.

  Both clusters followed the same PNP first, CEC second, and French third sequencing, giving candidates a predictable pattern for August.

  The shift from extended draw pauses in May and June to this rapid biweekly cadence is a major positive development for candidates.

  What This Draw Means For Candidates

  The 399 CRS cutoff is the most accessible French threshold since March, opening the door to thousands of candidates shut out when the cutoff peaked at 420.

  Candidates with moderate French proficiency scoring between 380 and 410 on the CRS now have a realistic shot at receiving an invitation in future draws.

  The TEF Canada and TCF Canada remain the approved tests for demonstrating French proficiency under Express Entry.

  Even candidates with modest French results can qualify, as the 399 cutoff shows IRCC is willing to draw deep into the pool at the 5,000 ITA volume.

  Bilingual candidates with strong scores in both languages earn additional CRS points under the human capital categories.

  Candidates who have not yet taken a French test should consider registering for the TEF or TCF to access these large category-based draws.

  French language candidates who scored 399 or above and submitted profiles before November 19, 2025 should check for their invitation.

  Candidates who scored 399 but submitted after that date were not selected and should keep profiles active for the next French round.

  Improving French scores by retaking the TEF or TCF is one of the most effective ways to gain additional CRS points for future draws.

  Exploring provincial nominee programs in Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Alberta can add 600 CRS points through a nomination pathway.

  The July 22 French draw marks a sharp correction in CRS cutoffs after months of upward pressure in the French category.

  With 5,000 invitations at a CRS cutoff of 399, this round is the most accessible French draw since early spring and signals significant pool expansion.

  IRCC has now issued 40,500 French-language invitations across eight draws in 2026, cementing this category as the highest-volume Express Entry pathway.

  July 2026 closes as one of the strongest months for Express Entry, with 15,545 confirmed invitations across seven draws in four distinct categories.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  What was the CRS cutoff in the July 22, 2026, Express Entry draw?

  The CRS cutoff in the July 22, 2026, French language proficiency Express Entry draw was 399. IRCC issued 5,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence. The 399 cutoff is a 21-point drop from the July 9 French draw threshold of 420 despite the same invitation count of 5,000.

  Why did the French Express Entry CRS cutoff drop from 420 to 399?

  The CRS cutoff dropped 21 points because the French language segment of the Express Entry pool expanded significantly with new lower-scoring candidates between July 9 and July 22. IRCC issued the same 5,000 invitations in both rounds, meaning the drop reflects pool dynamics rather than invitation volume.

  How many French language Express Entry invitations has IRCC issued in 2026?

  IRCC has issued 40,500 French-language proficiency Express Entry invitations across eight draws in 2026 as of July 22. Invitation volumes have ranged from 4,000 to 8,500 per round, and CRS cutoffs have varied between 393 and 420.

  How many Express Entry draws did IRCC hold in July 2026?

  IRCC held seven Express Entry draws in July 2026 across four categories: two PNP draws, two CEC draws, two French-language draws, and one senior managers draw. The total invitations issued in July 2026 is 15,545.

  Fact-Check: All data in this article, including the CRS cutoff score of 399, the 5,000 invitation count, the tie-breaking timestamp of November 19, 2025, and all seven July 2026 draw results, was verified against official Express Entry draw data published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Historical French draw figures were cross-referenced with IRCC-published round results from February through July 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. Express Entry eligibility and CRS scores depend on individual circumstances that may change without notice. Readers should consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or licensed immigration lawyer before acting on any information presented here.

• 
  Canada Now Has 1.5 Million Immigration Files Pending Decisions

  Canada just changed the way it reports on its massive immigration file inventory, and the new numbers paint a picture the country has never seen before.

  For the first time, the federal government is publishing aggregate data showing what share of pending permanent residence files are actually in processing versus sitting in a queue waiting for space to open up under the annual levels plan.

  The latest data, current as of May 31, 2026, reveals that more than 1.5 million immigration files across temporary residence, permanent residence, and citizenship are still waiting for a decision.

  That is not a backlog number in the traditional sense, because the government has abandoned the old reporting format entirely and replaced it with a completely restructured transparency dashboard.

  Until this update, the government published a monthly backlog dashboard that split applications into two columns: files within service standards and files exceeding service standards. That format is gone.

  The new system, titled “Inside IRCC’s Application Processing System,” replaces the old inventory snapshot with a dashboard that reports two figures for each major immigration category: how many files have been finalized since January 1, 2026, and how many files are still pending.

  For permanent residence categories, the dashboard goes one step further by showing what percentage of pending files are actually in processing versus what percentage are just waiting for space to become available under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

  That distinction between files in processing and files waiting for space is new, and it fundamentally changes what applicants and Canadians can learn from the published data.

  The Big Picture: 1.5 Million Files Pending

  Across all categories, the government reports approximately 1,517,770 immigration files that have not yet been finalized as of May 31, 2026.

  The following table breaks this down by major category.

  Category	Completed Since Jan 1, 2026	Not Yet Finalized
  Temporary Residence	1,288,905 finalized	404,070
  PR — Economic	111,000 finalized	238,335
  PR — Family	45,900 finalized	159,765
  PR — Protection	42,800 finalized	307,215
  Citizenship Grant	131,420 new citizens	326,365
  Proof of Citizenship	28,940 proofs issued	82,020

  Note: The government reports temporary and permanent residence figures as finalized applications, citizenship grants as new citizens, and proofs of citizenship as proofs issued.

  These are different reported outputs and cannot be combined into a single total. All values are rounded to the nearest multiple of 5, and the data is described as approximate and subject to change.

  Temporary Residence: 404,070 Files Pending

  The temporary residence category covers new study permit, work permit, and visitor visa applications only, not extensions.

  Since January 1, 2026, the government has finalized 1,288,905 temporary residence applications while 404,070 remain pending.

  Arrival targets for students and workers are set in the Immigration Levels Plan, but there is no arrival target for visitor visas in order to support tourism and the economy.

  Stream	Finalized Since Jan 1, 2026	Not Yet Finalized
  Study Permits	74,370	31,665
  Work Permits	140,775	35,040
  Visitor Visas	1,073,755	337,365

  The study permit figures reflect seasonal application patterns, as most international students start school in the fall or winter.

  As part of Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy, two-week processing is now available for study permit applicants at the PhD level.

  On the work permit side, the government is processing certain applications faster through the Global Skills Strategy and has introduced 14-day work permit processing for up to 5,000 licensed doctors with job offers who are nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program.

  Visitor visa processing times depend on whether the application is complete, how quickly biometrics and documents are provided, whether extra security screening is needed, and how many applications the government receives from a given country.

  Applicants can check processing times on the government’s website to find out how long it should take to process their specific application.

  Permanent Residence — Economic: 238,335 Files Pending

  The economic category covers Express Entry, federal business programs, and regional economic programs including the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, the Rural Community Immigration Pilot, and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot.

  Since January 1, 2026, the government has finalized 111,000 economic applications.

  Of the 238,335 files not yet finalized, 75% are in active processing and 25% are waiting for space under yearly targets.

  Status	Percentage	Estimated Files
  In Processing	75%	~178,750
  Waiting for Space	25%	~59,585

  From June 2025 to May 2026, about 79% of applicants in the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class received a decision within the six-month service standard, and about 50% received a decision in four months or less.

  The Start-up Visa Program is no longer accepting new applications except from applicants who received a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 and have not yet applied.

  The Self-Employed Persons Program is also paused indefinitely, though the government continues to process existing applications for both programs with limited capacity under the levels plan.

  Separately, the In-Canada Workers Initiative is transitioning up to 33,000 work permit holders to permanent residence in 2026 and 2027.

  These permanent residents are in addition to, not part of, the targets set in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

  Permanent Residence — Family: 159,765 Files Pending

  Family immigration includes reunification and international adoptions.

  Since January 1, 2026, the government has finalized 45,900 family class applications.

  Of the 159,765 files not yet finalized, 60% are in active processing and 40% are waiting for space under yearly targets.

  Status	Percentage	Estimated Files
  In Processing	60%	~95,860
  Waiting for Space	40%	~63,905

  From June 2025 to May 2026, applications for spouses, partners, and children submitted within and outside Canada for destinations outside of Quebec were processed in about 14 months.

  The Parents and Grandparents Program faces higher demand than the number of available spaces in the levels plan, which directly impacts processing times.

  As of July 15, 2026, the government has paused all new intake for this program and will not accept new interest-to-sponsor forms or invite potential sponsors until further notice, though existing applications continue to be processed.

  The super visa remains available as an alternative for eligible parents and grandparents seeking extended visits.

  International adoption timelines vary by country and situation, and families should expect the process to take at least two years even when everything goes smoothly.

  Processing times for family class applications destined for Quebec differ from the rest of Canada because Quebec sets its own immigration targets.

  Permanent Residence — Protection: 307,215 Files Pending

  The protection category includes protected persons in Canada, government-assisted refugees, privately sponsored refugees, and humanitarian and compassionate grounds applications.

  Since January 1, 2026, the government has finalized 42,800 protection class applications.

  Of the 307,215 files not yet finalized, 54% are in active processing and 46% are waiting for space under yearly targets.

  Status	Percentage	Estimated Files
  In Processing	54%	~165,895
  Waiting for Space	46%	~141,320

  The protection category has the highest waiting-for-space share among the three permanent residence categories reported, with nearly half of pending files not in active processing.

  As part of a one-time initiative, the government is processing up to 115,000 additional permanent residence applications from protected persons and their in-Canada dependants in 2026 and 2027.

  Through the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, the government can provide faster protection for people in need and prevent misuse of the system as a shortcut to regular immigration pathways.

  Permanent Residence: Processing vs. Waiting for Space

  The following table compares the in-processing and waiting-for-space splits across all three permanent residence categories.

  PR Category	Total Pending	In Processing	Waiting for Space
  Economic	238,335	75% (~178,750)	25% (~59,585)
  Family	159,765	60% (~95,860)	40% (~63,905)
  Protection	307,215	54% (~165,895)	46% (~141,320)
  Total PR	705,315	~440,505 (62%)	~264,810 (38%)

  Across all permanent residence categories, approximately 264,810 files are not being actively processed and are instead parked in a queue waiting for space to open up under the Immigration Levels Plan.

  That means roughly 38% of all pending permanent residence files are not moving through the system at all.

  https://youtu.be/fVJDhOlG2zA?si=O1-JNPcuE1a_US-G

  Citizenship: Grant and Proof Applications

  The citizenship category covers two types of applications: citizenship grants for permanent residents seeking to become citizens, and proof of citizenship for existing citizens who need to replace or obtain a citizenship certificate.

  Citizenship Stream	Reported Since Jan 1, 2026	Not Yet Finalized
  Citizenship Grant	131,420 new citizens	326,365
  Proof of Citizenship	28,940 proofs issued	82,020

  Citizenship applications are not included in the levels plan and are processed based on demand and other requirements.

  The government has launched online application processes for citizenship grants, proof of citizenship, and searches of citizenship records, along with an online tracker that shows application status and required next steps.

  Electronic citizenship certificates are also being made available to more people, which may help reduce the processing timeline pressure in this category.

  What the New Reporting Format Reveals

  The shift away from the old backlog dashboard format is significant because it changes what Canadians can actually learn from the published data.

  Under the old system, a file was either within service standards or exceeding them.

  Under the new system, the government publishes aggregate percentages for each permanent residence category showing what share of pending files are in active processing versus waiting for space under the levels plan.

  Temporary residence and citizenship files do not receive this processing-versus-waiting breakdown and are reported only as total finalized and total not yet finalized.

  For applicants checking their status on the IRCC portal, this distinction matters enormously.

  A file categorized as waiting for space means the annual levels plan does not currently have enough allocated spots for all complete applications already received, so the file may need to wait until space becomes available.

  The government separately notes that processing can also take longer if additional information is needed from the applicant, if documents need to be verified, or if partner agencies need to run additional security checks.

  The previous backlog updates showed that Canada’s immigration backlog had been declining steadily throughout 2026, falling from over 1 million at the start of the year to 922,700 by April 30, 2026.

  The new reporting format does not use the word backlog at all and does not break files into within or exceeding service standards.

  This means direct month-over-month comparisons with earlier backlog data are no longer possible under the new format.

  The data page was modified on July 21, 2026, though the underlying application data remains current as of May 31, 2026.

  The government also publishes student and temporary worker arrival numbers and new permanent resident admissions separately, which together with this dashboard provide the most complete public picture of how Canada’s immigration system is performing.

  Future updates will show whether the government continues to release data in this new format on a monthly cycle, which will determine how Canadians and applicants can track progress going forward.

  Follow Immigration News Canada for continued coverage of every update to this dashboard and all other immigration developments across the country.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  What does “waiting for space” mean in the new IRCC dashboard?

  It means the application has been received and has passed the completeness check, but the government does not currently have room under the annual Immigration Levels Plan to process it. The government states that when there is no space, the application waits until space becomes available, which may mean waiting until a future year. Processing can also be extended by additional document requests or security screening by partner agencies.

  Why did the government stop reporting the traditional backlog numbers?

  The government has not explained the reason for retiring the old format. The previous dashboard reported files within service standards and files exceeding service standards. The new format reports finalized files and files not yet finalized, with processing-versus-waiting splits for permanent residence categories. The change appears designed to provide more context about why files are pending rather than simply how long they have been pending.

  Which permanent residence category has the highest percentage of files just waiting for space?

  The protection category has the highest waiting-for-space percentage at 46%, meaning nearly half of the 307,215 pending files in that stream are not being actively processed. Family is second at 40%, and economic immigration has the lowest waiting-for-space share at 25%.

  Are temporary residence and citizenship files also split between processing and waiting?

  No, the in-processing versus waiting-for-space breakdown is only published for permanent residence categories. Temporary residence and citizenship files are reported as total finalized and total not yet finalized without the additional split. Visitor visas, citizenship grants, and asylum claims are not included in the levels plan and are processed based on demand.

  How does this new data compare to the last published backlog number?

  Direct comparisons are not possible because the reporting formats measure different things. The last published backlog figure was 922,700 as of April 30, 2026, which counted files exceeding service standards. The new format reports 1,517,770 files not yet finalized as of May 31, 2026, which includes all pending files regardless of whether they are within or exceeding service standards. The 1.5 million figure is a larger number because it captures the entire pending inventory, not just the overdue portion.

  Fact-Checked: All figures referenced in this article are sourced directly from the “Inside IRCC’s Application Processing System” page on canada.ca, with data as of May 31, 2026, and the page modified on July 21, 2026. Estimated file counts derived from published percentages are approximate calculations by Immigration News Canada.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules, program criteria, and processing practices can change without advance notice. Applicants should always verify the latest requirements directly with IRCC or a licensed immigration professional.

• 
  New Express Entry Draw On July 21 Sends 2,000 PR Invitations

  Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 2,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence through a new Express Entry Draw on July 21, 2026, for the Canadian Experience Class.

  The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for this round was 516, a one-point decrease from the 517 threshold in the July 7 CEC draw.

  This is the sixth Express Entry draw of July 2026 and the second CEC round this month, bringing total confirmed invitations to 10,545.

  The draw follows one day after the July 20 PNP round that issued 511 invitations at a CRS cutoff of 744, indicating a back-to-back pattern.

  This consecutive-day sequencing indicates that IRCC might have now returned to a biweekly draw schedule after the single monthly cluster model used in June 2026.

  July 21 Express Entry CEC Draw Details

  Draw Detail	Information
  Program	Canadian Experience Class
  Draw Date	July 21, 2026
  Draw Time (UTC)	10:40:39 UTC
  CRS Cutoff Score	516
  Invitations Issued	2,000
  Rank Required	2,000 or above
  Tie-Breaking Timestamp	May 26, 2026, at 17:33:03 UTC

  The full text of the Ministerial Instruction for this draw is available on the IRCC website.

  How the Tie-Breaking Rule Applied

  IRCC applies a tie-breaking rule when multiple candidates share the same lowest CRS score in a draw round.

  The tie-breaking timestamp for this CEC draw was set at May 26, 2026, at 17:33:03 UTC.

  Candidates who scored exactly 516 needed to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before that date and time to qualify for an invitation.

  Candidates who entered the pool after the tie-breaking timestamp with a score of 516 did not receive an invitation in this round despite meeting the CRS threshold.

  Why the CRS Cutoff Dropped One Point to 516

  The CRS cutoff for this CEC draw is 516, exactly one point lower than the 517 threshold in the previous CEC round on July 7.

  IRCC issued the same number of invitations in both rounds at 2,000, meaning the cutoff shift reflects changes in the candidate pool rather than invitation volume.

  Because IRCC issued 2,000 invitations in both July CEC rounds, the one-point decline from 517 to 516 reflects a change in the composition and ranking of eligible CEC candidates in the pool above 516.

  When more candidates accumulate above the cutoff threshold, IRCC can issue the same number of invitations while reaching slightly deeper into the ranking.

  This is how pool dynamics work in practice: a longer gap between draws means more profiles enter the system, which pushes the floor down even at the same ITA volume.

  The one-point drop nevertheless indicates that IRCC was able to reach slightly farther down the CEC ranking than it did on July 7 while issuing the same number of invitations.

  Had IRCC reduced the invitation count below 2,000, the cutoff would likely have remained at or above 517.

  Conversely, if IRCC had increased the count to 3,000 or 4,000, the cutoff could have dropped further into the 510 to 512 range based on current pool density.

  CEC CRS Cutoff Trend in 2026

  The CEC CRS cutoff has moved within a narrow but meaningful band throughout 2026, shaped primarily by how many invitations IRCC issues per round.

  The year opened with an 8,000 invitation CEC draw in January that pushed the cutoff down to 511, the lowest CEC threshold of 2026.

  As IRCC reduced CEC draw sizes through February and into the spring, the cutoff gradually climbed to 514 in April and 518 in May.

  The June CEC draw at 516 with 4,000 invitations temporarily reversed the upward trend before the July 7 round returned to 517 with only 2,000 invitations.

  Today’s cutoff of 516 with 2,000 invitations is the lowest CEC threshold since the June round, indicating that the pool has softened at the margin.

  For candidates hovering between 510 and 520, the CRS direction is encouraging but still sensitive to how many invitations IRCC decides to issue in each round.

  CEC Draw Comparison: July 7 vs July 21

  The table below compares the two CEC draws held in July 2026, isolating the CRS change as purely a function of pool dynamics.

  Metric	July 7 CEC Draw	July 21 CEC Draw
  Invitations Issued	2,000	2,000
  CRS Cutoff Score	517	516
  CRS Change	+1 point	−1 point
  Days Since Previous CEC	14 days	14 days
  Pool Rebuild Window	Two full weeks	Two full weeks

  The identical 2,000 invitation count in both rounds makes this comparison unusually clean, removing ITA volume as a variable entirely.

  Who the Canadian Experience Class Targets

  The Canadian Experience Class is one of three federal immigration programs managed under Express Entry.

  CEC targets candidates who hold at least one year of skilled work experience gained inside Canada within the three years before applying.

  Eligible candidates must have worked in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations, covering management, professional, technical, and skilled trade roles.

  CEC draws produce lower CRS cutoffs than PNP or general rounds because candidates compete only within this category.

  This pathway remains one of the most accessible routes for temporary residents already working in Canada to transition to permanent residence.

  International graduates who transitioned from a post-graduation work permit to skilled employment are among the primary beneficiaries of CEC draws.

  Biweekly Draw Pattern Reappears In July 2026

  The July 21 CEC draw is the clearest indication that IRCC might have returned to a biweekly draw schedule after the single monthly cluster model used in June.

  The first draw cluster of July ran from July 6 through July 9 with PNP, CEC, and French language rounds issuing 7,534 invitations across three categories.

  The second cluster opened with a PNP draw on July 20 and now continues with this CEC draw on July 21 in the same back-to-back pattern.

  In June 2026, IRCC went 21 consecutive days without a single draw before firing four rounds in four days from June 22 to June 25.

  July’s pattern is starkly different, with two clusters spaced roughly 11 days apart and each cluster following the same PNP-then-CEC sequencing.

  A French language proficiency or occupation-based draw may follow later this week to complete the second cluster, mirroring the July 9 French draw that closed the first cluster.

  If this two-cluster-per-month pattern holds through August and September, candidates can plan around predictable draw windows for the rest of 2026.

  This is a meaningful shift for candidates who had been dealing with the extended uncertainty of the single monthly burst model.

  CEC candidates scoring between 510 and 520 are in the most competitive zone of the Express Entry pool right now.

  The CRS cutoff has stayed within a 6-point range of 511 to 517 across every CEC draw in 2026, meaning small score improvements can make the difference between an invitation and a miss.

  Candidates at 516 or above who submitted profiles before the tie-breaking timestamp are in, while those at 515 or below were not considered regardless of submission date.

  Improving language-test results can increase a candidate’s CRS score directly and may also unlock additional skill-transferability points. The exact increase depends on the candidate’s complete profile.

  Securing a provincial nomination remains the single most impactful path for candidates stuck below the CEC cutoff, as the 600 point boost bypasses CRS competition entirely.

  Candidates should also explore whether they qualify for category-based draws in healthcare, trades, French language, or STEM, where CRS cutoffs run well below the CEC threshold.

  July 2026 Express Entry Draws at a Glance

  IRCC has now issued six Express Entry draws in July 2026, pushing the total confirmed invitations past the 10,000 mark for the month.

  Draw Category	Date	ITAs	CRS
  Provincial Nominee Program	July 6	534	708
  Canadian Experience Class	July 7	2,000	517
  French Language Proficiency	July 9	5,000	420
  Senior managers with Canadian Work Experience	Jul 10	500	392
  Provincial Nominee Program	July 20	511	744
  Canadian Experience Class	July 21	2,000	516
  French / Occupation-Based	Later this week	TBD	TBD
  July 2026 Total (Confirmed)	—	10,545	—

  CEC candidates who scored 516 or above and submitted profiles before the tie-breaking timestamp should check their accounts for an invitation.

  Candidates who narrowly missed should consider retaking IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF to improve their CRS scores before the next CEC round.

  Exploring provincial nominee programs in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba can open a parallel pathway to permanent residence.

  Candidates with strong French language results should prepare for an anticipated French category draw that may follow later this week.

  Keeping an Express Entry profile accurate with current work experience, education credentials, and language test results is essential before the next round.

  The July 21 CEC draw indicates that IRCC is running a biweekly cadence with two full draw clusters per month in the second half of 2026.

  With 2,000 invitations at a CRS cutoff of 516, this round offered a slightly more accessible entry point than the July 7 round at 517.

  July 2026 has now delivered over 10,000 confirmed Express Entry invitations across six draws, the strongest monthly output since the first quarter of the year.

  Candidates should monitor IRCC announcements closely for a potential French language or occupation-based draw later this week to close out the second July cluster.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  What was the CRS cutoff in the July 21, 2026, Canadian Experience Class draw?

  The CRS cutoff in the July 21, 2026 Canadian Experience Class Express Entry draw was 516. IRCC issued 2,000 invitations to apply for permanent residence in this round. The cutoff dropped one point from the previous CEC draw on July 7, which had a threshold of 517 with the same invitation count of 2,000.

  Why did the CEC CRS cutoff drop from 517 to 516 in July 2026?

  The CRS cutoff dropped one point because the 14-day gap between the July 7 and July 21 CEC draws allowed the Express Entry pool to rebuild with new candidates entering at scores above 516. IRCC issued the same 2,000 invitations in both rounds, meaning the cutoff change reflects pool dynamics rather than a change in invitation volume.

  Has IRCC confirmed a biweekly Express Entry draw schedule in 2026?

  No, IRCC has not formally confirmed a fixed biweekly Express Entry schedule for 2026. However, two distinct draw clusters in July indicate a roughly biweekly pattern this month.

  How many Express Entry invitations has IRCC issued in July 2026?

  IRCC has issued 10,545 confirmed Express Entry invitations in July 2026 across six draws. The PNP draws on July 6 and 20, sending 534 and 511, respectively; the CEC draws on July 7 and 21, each issuing 2,000; and the French language draw on July 9 delivered 5,000. Additional rounds may follow later this week.

  What is the Canadian Experience Class in Express Entry?

  The Canadian Experience Class is one of three federal immigration programs managed under Express Entry. CEC targets candidates who have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before applying. Eligible occupations must fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories, covering management, professional, technical, and skilled trade roles.

  Fact-Check: All data in this article, including the CRS cutoff score of 516, the 2,000 invitation count, and the tie-breaking timestamp, was verified against official Express Entry draw results published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on July 21, 2026. CEC draw comparison figures from July 7 and historical CRS trend data were cross-referenced with IRCC Ministerial Instructions and published pool distributions.

  Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. Express Entry eligibility and CRS scores depend on individual circumstances that may change without notice. Readers should consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or licensed immigration lawyer before acting on any information presented here.

• 
  A Mid-2026 Review for Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs

  Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan set the 2026 target for admissions under the Provincial Nominee Program at 91,500. This accounts for nearly 24 percent of overall permanent residence admissions into Canada.

  The first half of 2026 saw significant activity in the number of invitations to apply and nominations issued. Some provinces restructured their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), while others narrowed down on priority occupations.

  With Canadian immigration more competitive than ever, prospective applicants need to consider every available pathway.

  No immigration strategy is complete without exploring provincial nominee programs, making it increasingly important to understand how PNPs are changing, where opportunities may exist, the current state of play, and what applicants might expect for the remainder of the year.

  This article looks at ITAs and nominations issued by provinces in the first half of 2026 and how they have performed relative to their provincial nomination allocation for the year.

  Join 195,000+ newcomers who rely on Moving2Canada for clear, timely updates. Sign up for the Moving2Canada newsletter. The only four-times-a-week immigration newsletter covering what you need to know about Canadian immigration, employment, and life in Canada. Sign up for the Moving2Canada newsletter today.

  Key Takeaways

  • Ontario issued 13,663 invitations to apply in the first half of 2026, before overhauling its streams entirely in June.
  • Alberta issued 3,261 nominations in the first half of 2026, using just under half of its 6,403 annual allocation across 56 draws.
  • BC issued approximately 2,764 invitations to apply under its Skills Immigration stream against a 5,254 nomination allocation.
  • Saskatchewan issued 2,628 nominations, using 55 percent of its allocation.
  • Manitoba issued 2,167 nominations through May, against a 6,239 annual allocation.
  • Atlantic Canada’s four provincial nominee programs collectively issued more than 6,200 invitations to apply in the first half of 2026.
  • Health care and skilled trades were priority sectors for almost all the provinces.

  Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Issued Over 13,000 ITAs Before the Overhaul

  The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program issued 13,663 invitations to apply (not nominations) in the first half of 2026. The province has a nomination allocation of 14,119 for 2026.

  • The Employer Job Offer stream drove most of the ITA volume, with 11,635 invitations issued. Within that stream, health care and early childhood education candidates received 3,302 invitations, the highest of any occupation-specific category. Skilled trades candidates received 1,404, and mining candidates received 759. 
  • Location-specific rounds for the GTA, Northern Ontario, Lanark or Leeds and Grenville, and Francophone candidates with a job offer accounted for a further 1,972 invitations combined.
  • The Master’s Graduate and PhD Graduate streams together accounted for 2,028 invitations before being permanently revoked as part of the OINP overhaul. 

  In June 2026, Ontario replaced eight existing streams with a single Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The new stream has three pathways: one for TEER 0-3 workers, one for TEER 4-5 workers, and one for self-employed physicians. 

  Our Prediction for OINP for the Second Half of 2026

  The OINP’s expression of interest system is currently closed and is expected to open later this summer. No reopening date has been announced.

  Given the volume of ITAs that have already been issued, we expect H2 to be slow for OINP. Based on the ITAs issued in the first half of the year alone, Ontario could potentially fill 96 percent of its nomination allocation. 

  The province may also launch Phase 2 of the OINP in the second half, which is expected to include pathways for healthcare workers (including those without a job offer) and entrepreneurs.

  What This Means for OINP Candidates

  Until the EOI system reopens, no new EOIs can be submitted. If you’re interested in the OINP, we recommend using this time to evaluate your eligibility for the three pathways under the Ontario Workforce Priority stream.

  A job offer from an Ontario employer is a mandatory requirement for most applicants, so if you don’t have one yet, now is the time to focus on your job search.

  If you’ve already received an ITA and have applied for a nomination, your application will be processed according to the eligibility requirements of the previous streams.

  Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Used Almost Half Its Allocation in the First Half

  The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program held 56 draws across its worker streams in the first half of 2026. The province issued 3,261 nominations, using just under half of its 6,403 annual allocation. 

  The province allocated 5,165 nomination spaces — 80.6 percent of its 2026 allocation — to non-Express Entry PNP streams.

  • The Alberta Opportunity Stream issued 6,032 invitations to apply to candidates already living and working in Alberta across eight rounds. This number alone accounts for almost the entire nomination allocation available to the province, which means that not everyone getting an ITA under this stream should expect a provincial nomination this year. In the first half of 2026, Alberta had issued 1,692 nominations under this stream.
  • The Rural Renewal Stream issued 563 nominations, against its allocation of 1,000. 
  • The Tourism and Hospitality Stream issued 118 nominations. 
  • The Dedicated Health Care Pathways used 158 nominations against a 500-space allocation, with 342 spaces still available.

  642 nominations were issued through Express Entry-aligned streams, representing roughly 20 percent of the total. This included:

  • The Accelerated Tech Pathway issued 316 nominations, using over 52 percent of its spaces. 
  • Priority sector draws covering manufacturing, construction and skilled trades, health care, agriculture, and aviation together saw 16 draws and 822 ITAs. Mid-way through the year, only 326 nominations had been issued under this stream.

  With about half of Alberta’s nomination allocation still available, most streams have room to remain active through the rest of the year.

  Our Prediction for AAIP for the Second Half of 2026

  About half of Alberta’s nomination allocation is still available for the year. We expect priority sectors, including health care, technology, construction, and manufacturing, to continue driving draw activity in the months ahead.

  The Dedicated Health Care Pathways and Entrepreneur Streams both have almost 60-70 percent of their allocation room left.

  The Tourism and Hospitality Stream only has 32 spaces left and may not see significant activity before year’s end. 

  What This Means for AAIP Candidates

  If you are in the AAIP pool or planning to submit an EOI, the program has significant nomination room left for H2 2026. The province has several streams available, both through and outside the Express Entry system.

  Processing times for AAIP applications vary by stream and range between 2 to 9 months. This means if you’re hoping to get a provincial nomination in 2027, now is a good time to start submitting an EOI.

  BC Provincial Nominee Program Prioritized High Economic Impact Candidates

  The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued approximately 2,764 invitations to apply under its Skills Immigration stream in the first half of 2026.

  Although the province has a nomination allocation of 5,254 for 2026, it did not disclose how many nominations have been issued to date.

  In April 2026, BC reorganized its program around three priorities: Care, Build, and Innovate. The entry-level and Semi-Skilled stream was permanently closed as part of the overhaul and plans to launch student-specific streams for international graduates were cancelled.

  From January through April, all Skills Immigration draws focused on High Economic Impact candidates. Targeted draws for Care and Build candidates were conducted after the restructuring.

  Here is how invitations to apply broke down under the Skills Immigration stream in H1:

  • High Economic Impact (Innovate): 2,089 ITAs across five draws
  • Build: Construction Trades: 249 ITAs
  • Care: Health: 234 ITAs
  • Care: Childcare: 177 ITAs
  • Care: Veterinary: 15 ITAs

  As part of its Care priority, BC also announced a one-time initiative targeting up to 250 rural health care workers in cleaning, caretaking, and security roles. Registration for this pathway opened June 15 and closes August 31, 2026.

  BC also conducted seven Entrepreneur stream draws in H1, issuing 78 invitations under the base stream and fewer than 25 under the regional stream.

  Our Prediction for BC PNP for the Second Half of 2026

  With roughly half of BC’s 2026 nomination room still estimated to be available, draw activity is likely to continue for the rest of the year. We expect the province to continue focusing on the occupations identified under the Care, Build, and Innovate categories in the second half of 2026. 

  What This Means for BC PNP Candidates

  If your occupation falls under the 36 Care occupations or nine Build trades, you may have a chance at receiving an ITA through targeted draws in the second half of 2026. 

  If you are currently working in BC, with an annual salary of $120,000 or more, the High Economic Impact pathway under Innovate may also be an option. That pathway has consistently run the highest volume of draws so far this year.

  If you’re a semi-skilled or unskilled worker outside of the province’s priority sectors, there is currently no pathway for you under the BC PNP.

  Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) Used 55 Percent of Its Allocation by June

  The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program issued 2,628 nominations as of June 30, 2026, using 55 percent of its 4,761 annual allocation. 

  SINP divides its nomination room into three categories. Priority sectors, including health care, agriculture, skilled trades, mining, manufacturing, energy, and technology, have at least 50 percent of the annual allocation reserved for them. Candidates in priority sectors can apply at any time, including from outside Canada.

  Three sectors are capped: accommodation and food services, trucking, and retail trade. Together these account for a maximum of 25 percent of the annual allocation.

  Candidates in capped sectors can only apply during designated intake windows and only if their work permits are close to expiry.

  • Priority sectors: 1,466 nominations issued against 2,380 reserved spaces, using 62 percent of that room.
  • Capped sectors: 718 of 1,190 nomination spaces filled. Competition within each intake window is high and spaces fill on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  • Other sectors: 444 of 1,191 nomination spaces used, with 62 percent of spaces still available.

  Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Issued 2,167 Nominations Through May 2026

  The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program issued 2,167 nominations between January and May 2026, against an annual allocation of 6,239.

  Of those, 697 were “enhanced” nominations, meaning they are aligned with the Express Entry system. Nomination numbers for June have not been released yet.

  In Manitoba, the invitation to apply is called a “letter of advice to apply.” Between January and June, Manitoba held 12 rounds and issued 1,833 letters of advice to apply.

  • The Skilled Worker Stream accounted for 1,210 letters of advice to apply, or 66 percent of the total.
  • 537 letters of advice to apply went to candidates with a valid Express Entry profile and job seeker validation code.

  Manitoba also conducted two occupation-specific selection rounds in the first half of 2026. 

  • Health care candidates received 192 letters of advice to apply. 
  • Education candidates, including secondary school teachers, elementary and kindergarten teachers, early childhood educators and assistants, and teacher assistants, received 431.

  Our Prediction for SINP and MPNP for the Second Half of 2026

  In Saskatchewan, priority sector candidates still have roughly 45 percent of the overall allocation available and can apply at any time. For capped sector candidates, 40 percent of allocated spaces are still available, but competition is intense.

  We also expect Manitoba’s PNP to remain active, with nearly 66 percent of its nomination room remaining for the final seven months of the year.

  Occupation-specific selections for health care and education in the first half of the year suggest these will remain priorities for draws through December.

  https://youtu.be/uNAJPlbygFI?si=Ts5Zg3UqU_r-nlYh

  What This Means for SINP and MPNP Candidates

  Both Saskatchewan and Manitoba have identified priority occupations for their provincial nominee programs. If you’re interested in entering the pool or are already in one of these pools, you have a better chance of receiving an ITA if you’re in a priority sector.

  Saskatchewan also conducts periodic intakes for capped sectors. If you’re in the accommodation and food services, trucking, or retail trade sectors, the September 7 intake is the next opportunity to submit an employer position assessment.

  New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) Issued 2,352 ITAs in the First Half of 2026

  New Brunswick issued the most invitations to apply of the four Atlantic provinces in the first half of 2026, with 2,352 ITAs across three streams.

  The province has not confirmed its 2026 nomination allocation but based on the increase seen across other provinces, we estimate its 2026 allocation to be approximately 3,600 nomination spaces.

  • The New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream accounted for 1,300 ITAs, focused on New Brunswick graduates and candidates with local work experience.
  • The Strategic Initiative, which includes Francophone workers, issued 716 ITAs.
  • The Express Entry Stream issued 336 ITAs, with most rounds focused on health care, professional and IT occupations, education, social and community services, construction trades, and manufacturing.

  Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) Saw Its Streams Narrow

  Nova Scotia restructured its program in February 2026, consolidating 10 streams into four: Skilled Worker, Nova Scotia Graduate, Entrepreneur, and Nova Scotia Express Entry. The changes applied only to new EOI submissions. Candidates already in the pool were not affected.

  Between January and May, the province issued 2,040 invitations to apply, with activity focused on health care, skilled trades, and other priority occupations. The province’s allocation, though not publicly disclosed, is estimated to be around 4,125 nomination spaces, suggesting considerable room remains for the second half of the year.

  NLPNP Issued 1,246 ITAs By June 2026

  Newfoundland and Labrador issued 1,246 invitations to apply in the first half of 2026. Based on increases seen across other provinces, its 2026 allocation is estimated at approximately 2,000 nomination spaces. 

  PEI PNP Issued 658 ITAs in the First Half of 2026

  Prince Edward Island PNP issued 658 invitations to apply under its Labour Impact and Express Entry streams combined in the first half of the year. The province did not disclose how ITAs were split between the two streams.

  PEI’s 2026 allocation is estimated at approximately 1,340 nomination spaces. The province holds draws on a pre-set monthly schedule, with six more draws expected before year’s end.

  Our Prediction for Atlantic Canada PNPs for the Second Half of 2026

  Health care and skilled trades appear as priority sectors across most Atlantic programs, a pattern that is likely to continue in the second half of the year. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have not confirmed their allocations for the year but have remained active so far. 

  Newfoundland and Labrador has issued ITAs equivalent to roughly 62 percent of its estimated 2026 allocation, the highest proportion of any Atlantic province at the halfway mark.

  That leaves an estimated 750 spaces still available, though how many of the ITAs already issued convert to nominations will affect how much room the program has left.

  Of the four Atlantic provinces, PEI is the most predictable in terms of timing, with monthly draws scheduled through December. With the other three provinces, predicting a draw cadence is hard but the ITA volume so far suggests there is still room for further rounds.

  What Atlantic Canada PNP Candidates Should Watch for in H2 2026

  Although Nova Scotia and New Brunswick restructured their PNPs to focus on priority occupations, Nova Scotia recently expanded these selection priorities to include in-province workers in other sectors as well.

  All four of these provinces prioritize candidates already working in the community and employer support is an advantage.

  The Atlantic provinces also select candidates through the federal Atlantic Immigration Program, so their selection room goes beyond just PNP allocations.

  Based on the ITA numbers, the Atlantic provinces likely have around half their nomination room available for the year, so if you’ve been planning to submit an EOI, now is a good time to do so.

  What This Means for Candidates Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs

  For the provinces that disclosed nomination numbers — specifically Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba — roughly half of the 2026 nomination allocation remains available.

  For Ontario and BC, which reported ITAs rather than nominations, it is hard to accurately predict how much nomination room is left for 2026.

  Health care and skilled trades emerged as priorities across many provincial programs in the first half of 2026. However, candidates should bear in mind that labour market priorities can change.

  This was made evident by structural and directional changes across the OINP, BC PNP, and Nova Scotia PNP in the first half of the year.

  If you were in Ontario’s EOI pool under one of the eight former streams and did not receive an invitation, your EOI has been withdrawn. If you qualify under the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream, you will need to register again once the new EOI system opens later this summer.

  Finally, keep in mind that submitting an EOI for a provincial nominee program is only the first step and processing at each stage takes time. This means an ITA or nomination received now will likely not result in permanent residence until 2027.

  If you are hoping to secure a provincial nomination, follow our live PNP tracker for the latest draws and program updates and sign up for our newsletter to have the latest immigration news delivered straight to your inbox.

• 
  New Ontario Workforce Priority Stream 2026 Eligibility And How To Apply

  Ontario has now officially published the complete eligibility requirements for the new Ontario Workforce Priority Stream in 2026 after the province shut down all 8 former OINP streams last month.

  The eligibility criteria for the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream are now officially confirmed and available on the provincial government’s website.

  Every requirement for all 3 pathways, covering skilled workers, essential workers, and self-employed physicians, is now publicly accessible for the first time since the June 26 overhaul.

  The updated webpages reflect amendments to Ontario Regulation 422/17 under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015, which came into force on June 25, 2026.

  Ontario has confirmed that the Expression of Interest system for the new stream is expected to launch later this summer, though no specific date has been announced.

  What Changes In OINP In 2026

  The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development eliminated all 8 existing OINP streams and replaced them with a single new stream called the Ontario Workforce Priority stream.

  This is the largest structural overhaul in the history of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.

  The 8 former streams that are now permanently closed are:

  #	Former OINP Stream	Status
  1	Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker	Closed
  2	Employer Job Offer: International Student	Closed
  3	Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills	Closed
  4	Express Entry: Human Capital Priorities	Closed
  5	Express Entry: Skilled Trades	Closed
  6	Express Entry: French-Speaking Skilled Worker	Closed
  7	Masters Graduate	Closed
  8	PhD Graduate	Closed

  No further invitations will be issued under any of these former pathways.

  Applications that were already submitted under a former stream before June 26 will continue to be assessed under the rules that were in effect at the time of submission.

  EOIs registered under the former streams that did not result in an invitation to apply will be automatically withdrawn over the coming weeks.

  The replacement is a single unified stream with 3 distinct pathways based on the applicant’s occupation and licensing status.

  New Ontario Workforce Priority Stream 3 Pathways

  The Ontario Workforce Priority stream covers workers across all National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER levels from 0 through 5, plus a dedicated pathway for self-employed physicians.

  TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities, the federal system used to classify occupations under Canada’s NOC system.

  Your TEER level determines which pathway you can apply under, and each pathway has its own language, education, and work experience requirements.

  The following table summarizes the core eligibility criteria across all 3 pathways at a glance.

  Ontario Workforce Priority Stream: Pathway Comparison

  Requirement	TEER 0–3 Pathway	TEER 4–5 Pathway	Self-Employed Physicians
  Job Offer	Full-time, permanent	Full-time, permanent	Not required
  Language (CLB)	CLB 6 (CLB 5 for certain occupations)	CLB 4	Not specified
  Education	Post-secondary degree or diploma (ECA if foreign)	Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent	CPSO registration required
  Work Experience	Option A: 6 months consecutive (last 12 months, same employer) Option B: 2 years cumulative (last 5 years, same NOC) Option C: 3 months (recent Ontario graduates)	9 months cumulative (last 2 years, with job offer employer)	N/A
  Licensing Exemption	Yes—licensed professionals may be exempt from work experience	No—9 months with job offer from the employer required	Must hold CPSO registration
  Eligible Occupations	All NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, 3	All NOC TEER 4 and 5	Physicians with CPSO + OHIP billing

  TEER 0–3 Pathway For Skilled Workers Eligibility

  The TEER 0–3 pathway is designed for workers with a full-time, permanent job offer in higher-skilled occupations.

  TEER 0 through 3 occupations generally include the following types of roles:

  TEER Level	Occupation Type	Examples
  TEER 0	Management occupations	Financial managers, restaurant managers, construction managers
  TEER 1	Professional occupations (usually require a university degree)	Software engineers, accountants, registered nurses, lawyers
  TEER 2	Technical and skilled occupations (usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship)	Computer network technicians, paralegals, electrical technicians
  TEER 3	Intermediate occupations (usually require a combination of on-the-job training and secondary school)	Administrative assistants, dental assistants, cooks, bakers

  Language Requirement

  Applicants who are not recent Ontario graduates must demonstrate English or French language proficiency at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 6 or higher in all 4 abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

  The language test must have been completed within 2 years before the application.

  Accepted language tests include IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada.

  For certain occupations, the language requirement is reduced to CLB 5 or higher. These occupations include:

  Category	Occupations Eligible For CLB 5
  Transport	Truck drivers, transit operators
  Skilled Trades	Trades workers covered under TEER 3
  Food Industry	Cooks, butchers, bakers, chefs
  Natural Resources	Natural resource occupations (forestry, mining support, etc.)
  Manufacturing	Production occupations
  Health Care	NOC 33102 — nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates

  Applicants in these occupation groups who qualify for CLB 5 also face a lower education requirement, requiring only a Canadian secondary school diploma or its foreign equivalent with an ECA instead of a post-secondary credential.

  Recent Ontario graduates are exempt from the TEER 0–3 language requirement entirely.

  Education Requirement

  The minimum education requirement depends on the occupation:

  Applicant Type	Minimum Education
  Most TEER 0–3 applicants	Post-secondary degree or diploma from a recognized institution
  CLB 5 occupations (trades, transport, food, health care, natural resources, production)	Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent foreign credential with ECA
  All applicants with foreign credentials	Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization such as WES, completed within the past 5 years

  Work Experience Requirement

  Applicants can qualify through 1 of 3 work experience options:

  Option	Requirement	Who It Fits
  Option A	6 consecutive months of full-time paid work in the last 12 months in the job offer position with the job offer employer	Workers currently employed by their sponsoring employer
  Option B	2 years of cumulative paid full-time work in the last 5 years in the same NOC occupation as the job offer	Workers with broader experience in the same occupation across multiple employers
  Option C	3 consecutive months in the last 12 months in the job-offer position (recent Ontario graduates only)	Recent graduates from Ontario post-secondary institutions already working for their sponsoring employer

  Applicants who already hold a valid licence to practise in a regulated profession in Ontario may be exempt from the work experience requirement entirely.

  This licensing exemption applies only to the TEER 0–3 pathway and does not extend to TEER 4–5 applicants.

  Alternate NOC Work Experience

  The regulation permits alternate work experience only in specifically listed occupation combinations.

  These include:

  Higher-Level Occupation (Experience Held)	Lower-Level Occupation (Job Offer)
  Certain engineering professionals	Engineering technical occupations
  Pharmacists	Pharmacy assistant roles
  Registered or licensed practical nurses	Nurse aide roles

  The rule is not open to every related higher-level occupation.

  Applicants should verify that their specific NOC combination is expressly listed in the regulation before relying on this provision.

  TEER 4–5 Pathway For Essential Workers Eligibility

  The TEER 4–5 pathway opens the door for workers in essential and intermediate occupations who have a full-time, permanent job offer in Ontario, covering roles in healthcare support, transport, food service, agriculture, manufacturing, and other TEER 4 and 5 occupations.

  This represents a significant broadening compared to the former In-Demand Skills stream, which was limited to a specific list of eligible occupations.

  Under the new pathway, all TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations are eligible, including but not limited to:

  TEER Level	Occupation Type	Examples
  TEER 4	Intermediate occupations (usually require secondary school or occupation-specific training)	Home support workers, transport truck helpers, retail salespersons, food counter attendants
  TEER 5	Labouring and elemental occupations (usually require on-the-job training)	Construction trades helpers, fruit and vegetable harvesters, industrial cleaners, material handlers

  Language Requirement

  Applicants must demonstrate English or French language proficiency at CLB 4 or higher in all 4 abilities.

  This is a new requirement compared to the former In-Demand Skills stream, which previously had no mandatory language benchmark for certain TEER 4 and 5 workers.

  The language test must have been completed within 2 years before the application.

  Accepted tests are the same as the TEER 0–3 pathway: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada.

  Education Requirement

  The minimum education requirement is a Canadian secondary school diploma or its equivalent foreign credential accompanied by an ECA report.

  This is a lower bar than the TEER 0–3 pathway, which requires a post-secondary degree or diploma for most applicants.

  Work Experience Requirement

  Applicants must demonstrate 9 months of cumulative work experience in the last 2 years in the job offer position with the job offer employer.

  This is the key difference from the TEER 0–3 pathway:

  Requirement	TEER 0–3	TEER 4–5
  Work experience duration	6 months (Option A) or 2 years (Option B) or 3 months (Option C)	9 months cumulative only
  Must be with the job offer employer?	Only for Options A and C	Yes—always
  Multiple employer experiences accepted?	Yes, under Option B (same NOC)	No
  Recent graduate reduced requirement?	Yes—3 months	No
  Licensing exemption from work experience?	Yes	No

  The experience must be specifically with the employer making the job offer, not just in the same occupation with a different employer.

  There is no licensing exemption for TEER 4–5 applicants, and there is no reduced work experience option for recent graduates under this pathway.

  https://youtu.be/GC0zj3QSOpw?si=Fe-8K6Glo6Yjs13P

  Self-Employed Physicians Pathway Eligibility

  The self-employed physicians pathway is the only track in the redesigned OINP that does not require a job offer from an Ontario employer.

  To qualify, physicians must meet all 3 of the following conditions simultaneously:

  #	Requirement	Detail
  1	CPSO membership	Must be a member in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
  2	Certificate of registration	Must hold a valid certificate in 1 of 3 eligible classes: independent practice, academic, or provisional
  3	OHIP billing eligibility	Must be eligible to bill through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan

  This pathway addresses a long-standing barrier where many physicians work under independent practice arrangements rather than traditional employment contracts, making previous employer-focused pathways difficult to access.

  Ontario has been actively recruiting physicians through targeted OINP draws throughout 2026, and the federal government launched a dedicated Express Entry physician category earlier this year.

  New Ontario Workforce Priority Stream Scoring System

  Employment / labour market factors

  NOC TEER category 

  This is prepopulated in the EOI if applying with a job offer or if you are applying as a self-employed physician.

  • NOC TEER 0 or 1 — 9 points
  • NOC TEER 2 or 3 — 6 points
  • NOC TEER 4 — 0 points
  • NOC TEER 5 — 0 points

  NOC broad occupational category

  This is prepopulated in the EOI if applying with a job offer or if you are applying as a self-employed physician.

  • Occupational Category 3 — 10 points
  • Occupational Category 7 — 8 points
  • Occupational Category 2 — 6 points
  • Occupational Category 0, 1, 4, 8, 9 — 4 points
  • Occupational Category 5, 6 — 2 points

  Hourly wage 

  This is prepopulated in the EOI if applying with a job offer. For self-employed physicians, the hourly wage scoring factor is not applicable.

  • $40 per hour or higher — 15 points
  • $35 to $39.99 per hour — 12 points
  • $30 to $34.99 per hour — 10 points
  • $25 to $29.99 per hour — 8 points
  • $20 to $24.99 per hour — 5 points
  • Less than $20 per hour — 0 points

  Ontario work experience

  Job offer applicants

  • Over 24 months working in job offer position — 18 points
  • 13 to 24 months working in job offer position — 15 points
  • 6 to 12 months working in job offer position — 12 points
  • Less than 6 months working in job offer position or not currently working in position — 0 points

  If the applicant has less than 6 months work experience in the job offer position, the scoring is as follows:

  • Over 24 months working in Ontario — 12 points
  • 13 to 24 months working in Ontario — 9 points
  • 6 to 12 months working in Ontario — 6 points
  • Less than 6 months working in Ontario or not currently working in Ontario — 0 points

  Ontario work experience

  Self-employed physicians

  • Over 24 months (2 years or more) cumulative medical practice in Ontario — 18 points  
  • 13 months up to 24 months cumulative medical practice in Ontario — 15 points 
  • 6 months up to 12 months cumulative medical practice in Ontario — 12 points 
  • Less than 6 months cumulative medical practice in Ontario — 0 points 

  Canadian work experience: earnings history

  Based on a Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency in the last 5 years.

  • $70k or more earnings in a year — 8 points
  • $50k to $69,999 — 6 points
  • $30k to $49,999 — 4 points
  • Under $30k earnings in a year — 0 points

  Legal status in Canada

  The work or study permit must confer legal status.

  • With valid work permit — 10 points
  • With valid study permit — 5 points
  • Without valid work or study permit — 0 points

  Education

  Highest level of education

  Canadian credential or ECA required.

  • Doctorate or degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry — 10 points
  • Masters degree — 8 points
  • University certificate or diploma above a bachelor level — 6 points
  • Bachelors degree or equivalent — 6 points
  • Ontario College Graduate Certificate — 5 points
  • University certificate or diploma below a bachelor level — 5 points
  • College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma that is not an Ontario College Graduate Certificate — 5 points
  • Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma — 5 points
  • Less than college or trade certificate — 0 points

  Number of Canadian education credentials

  Credential must be a post-secondary education credential from an eligible Canadian institution that takes at least one year to complete on a full-time basis.

  • More than one Canadian credential — 10 points
  • One Canadian credential — 5 points
  • No Canadian credential — 0 points

  Language

  Official language ability (English or French)

  You must take an approved English or French language test, and you will receive points based on your lowest CLB level across the 4 language areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

  If you have taken both an English and French test, you will receive points based on the test with the higher CLB level. We do not accept Academic or One Skill Retake tests.

  • CLB 9 or higher — 15 points
  • CLB 8 — 12 points
  • CLB 7 — 8 points
  • CLB 6 — 4 points
  • CLB 5 or lower — 0 points

  Knowledge of official languages

  To receive points for 2 official languages, you must have at least CLB 6 across the 4 language areas (reading, writing, listening and speaking) for both tests. 

  • 2 official languages — 10 points
  • 1 official language — 5 points

  Regionalization

  Regional immigration: location of work location in job offer

  For EOI registrations with a job offer, regional immigration will be determined based on the location of the work location in the job offer entered by the employer.

  For self-employed physicians, regional immigration will be determined based on your Ontario practice address per your OHIP billing number registration.

  • Northern Ontario — 15 points
  • Eastern Ontario — 10 points
  • Central Ontario outside GTA — 10 points
  • Southwestern Ontario — 10 points
  • Inside GTA (except Toronto) — 5 points
  • Toronto — 0 points

  For regionalization scoring factors, the regions are defined as follows:

  • Northern Ontario — includes the following Census Divisions: Muskoka, Haliburton, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Manitoulin, Sudbury, Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury, Timiskaming, Cochrane, Algoma, Thunder Bay, Rainy River and Kenora
  • Eastern Ontario — includes the following Census Divisions: Frontenac, Hastings, Kawartha Lakes, Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Lennox and Addington, Northumberland, Ottawa, Peterborough, Prescott and Russell, Prince Edward, Renfrew, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
  • Central Ontario (excluding Greater Toronto Area) — includes the following Census Divisions: Dufferin, Grey, Simcoe, Waterloo and Wellington
  • Southwestern Ontario — includes the following Census Divisions: Brant, Bruce, Chatham-Kent, Elgin, Essex, Haldimand-Norfolk, Hamilton, Huron, Lambton, Middlesex, Niagara, Oxford and Perth
  • Inside Greater Toronto Area (except Toronto) — includes the regional municipalities of Durham, Halton, Peel and York
  • Toronto — includes the City of Toronto

  Employer Eligibility Requirements

  A qualifying job offer under the TEER 0–3 and TEER 4–5 pathways requires an eligible Ontario employer.

  Employers must meet all of the following criteria:

  #	Requirement	Detail
  1	Business operating history	Must have been in active business operation for at least 3 years
  2	Gross annual revenue	Minimum thresholds apply based on business location (GTA vs. rural)
  3	Full-time, permanent job offer	The position must have no predetermined end date and provide a minimum of 1,560 hours per year
  4	Business need	The position must be urgently needed for the employer’s business
  5	Ontario work location	The work must occur primarily in Ontario
  6	Wage level	Must meet the required level for the occupation and region
  7	No labour dispute	The job must not be affected by a labour dispute at the time of application
  8	Employee threshold	Must meet the minimum number of Canadian citizens and permanent residents on staff

  Revenue Thresholds

  Under the former OINP structure, the minimum gross annual revenue thresholds were:

  Employer Location	Former Minimum Gross Revenue
  Greater Toronto Area (GTA)	$1,000,000
  Outside GTA	$500,000

  The redesigned program introduces reduced gross annual revenue requirements for employers located in rural communities, defined as census divisions with a population under 150,000.

  Employers in rural Ontario should confirm whether their business location qualifies for the lower threshold under the new regulation.

  Wage Requirement

  The wage must generally meet or exceed the regional median wage for the occupation.

  However, a job offer for a recent Ontario graduate under the TEER 0–3 category may meet the applicable regional low-wage level instead of the median wage.

  This lower wage threshold is created expressly by the new regulation and applies only to qualifying recent Ontario graduates.

  Employer Portal

  Employers who previously registered in the OINP Employer Portal do not need to register again.

  However, once the Employer Portal reopens, they will need to submit a new job offer and a new application for approval of an employment position under the redesigned Ontario Workforce Priority stream.

  Job offers and employment position approvals from the former streams do not carry over to the new system.

  How To Apply For New Ontario Workforce Priority stream

  Once the portal reopens, the application process will follow these steps.

  Candidates can look up their NOC code on the Government of Canada’s NOC website to confirm their TEER level before proceeding.

  Step	Action	Detail
  1	Confirm your TEER category	Look up your occupation’s NOC code and confirm which TEER level (0–3, 4–5, or physician) you fall under. This determines your pathway and all eligibility criteria.
  2	Take or retake your language test	Ensure you have a valid IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF score meeting CLB 6 (TEER 0–3), CLB 5 (certain occupations), or CLB 4 (TEER 4–5). Tests must be within 2 years. Recent Ontario graduates under TEER 0–3 are exempt.
  3	Obtain or verify your ECA	TEER 0–3 applicants with foreign post-secondary credentials need a valid ECA (e.g., from WES). TEER 4–5 applicants need proof of a Canadian secondary school diploma or equivalent with ECA.
  4	Secure a qualifying job offer	Must be full-time, permanent, from an eligible Ontario employer meeting all OINP employer requirements. Wages must meet the regional median (or low-wage level for TEER 0–3 recent graduates).
  5	The employer registers job offer	Once the Employer Portal reopens, your employer must register the job offer and submit an application for approval of the employment position. Previous registrations carry over, but new job offers must be submitted.
  6	Register your EOI	Create a new Expression of Interest profile under the Ontario Workforce Priority stream. Old EOI profiles do not carry over. EOI scoring criteria will be published when the system launches.
  7	Receive an invitation to apply	Ontario will issue invitations through periodic draws from the EOI pool, typically targeted by region, sector, or occupation.
  8	Submit your complete application	After receiving an invitation, submit your application through the OINP e-Filing Portal. Select the correct stream — you cannot change your selection after submission. If you select the wrong stream, you must withdraw and reapply.
  9	Receive your provincial nomination	If Ontario approves the application, you receive a provincial nomination certificate.
  10	Apply for permanent residence through IRCC	Submit a permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada through the applicable Provincial Nominee Program process. IRCC makes the final decision on permanent residence.

  The province has historically conducted targeted draws based on region, sector, and occupation, and the new system is expected to continue this approach.

  Ontario’s March 2026 draws reopened the Masters and PhD streams for the first time since 2024 before the closure, following earlier targeted rounds.

  Important: As of writing on July 20, 2026, the OINP e-Filing Portal is undergoing system maintenance. Expression of Interest registrations and the creation of new job offers in the Employer Portal are temporarily unavailable. Ontario has confirmed the system is expected to reopen later this summer, but no specific date has been announced. Candidates and employers should monitor the OINP Program Updates page for the reopening announcement.

  What Happens To Masters And PhD Graduates

  The former Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams were among the 8 pathways permanently closed on June 26, 2026. The regulatory amendments underpinning the closure came into force on June 25, 2026.

  Under the current Phase 1 structure, international graduates will generally need a qualifying full-time, permanent job offer to access the Ontario Workforce Priority stream.

  Candidates without a qualifying job offer may consider federal options such as the Canadian Experience Class, depending on their work experience and Express Entry eligibility.

  Ontario has indicated that Phase 2 of the OINP redesign may introduce additional streams, but no confirmed eligibility rules or launch dates have been announced.

  The Phase 2 streams under consideration include:

  Proposed Phase 2 Stream	Status
  Priority Healthcare Stream	No confirmed eligibility rules or launch date
  Exceptional Talent Stream	No confirmed eligibility rules or launch date
  Redesigned Entrepreneur Stream	No confirmed eligibility rules or launch date

  Ontario’s 2026 Nomination Allocation

  Ontario received approximately 14,119 nomination spots for 2026 under the federal Provincial Nominee Program allocation.

  The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan increased the national PNP admissions target to 91,500 for 2026, up from 55,000 in 2025.

  Provincial nominees receive a significant CRS boost in Express Entry PNP draws, making a provincial nomination 1 of the most effective pathways to permanent residence for candidates already in the Express Entry pool.

  After nominations were already issued under the former streams before the June 26 closure, the remaining allocation is expected to flow through the Ontario Workforce Priority stream for the rest of 2026 and into 2027.

  Ontario conducted multiple targeted OINP draws before the transition, issuing thousands of invitations across healthcare, mining, agriculture, and regional priority occupations.

  The publication of the Ontario Workforce Priority stream eligibility criteria marks the end of the information gap that followed the June 26 overhaul.

  Candidates and employers now have the full regulatory framework to assess eligibility, prepare documentation, and position themselves for the EOI system reopening later this summer.

  Workers in Ontario with valid job offers should use the preparation window to confirm their NOC TEER category, take or retake language tests, and verify their educational credentials before the portal comes back online.

  The candidates who are fully prepared when the system reopens will have a significant advantage in the first rounds of invitations under the new stream.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Will Express Entry candidates linked to Ontario still receive PNP draws while the EOI system is closed?

  The closure of the OINP EOI system affects new EOI registrations and invitations, not previously submitted applications. Candidates who already received an Ontario provincial nomination and had it reflected in their Express Entry profile before the closure will continue to be eligible for PNP-targeted Express Entry draws. No new EOIs or invitations can be issued under the Ontario Workforce Priority stream until its EOI system opens. Applications already submitted under the former streams will continue to be assessed under the rules in effect when they were filed. Candidates relying on a future Ontario nomination for their Express Entry strategy should plan for a gap of several weeks to months before new nominations begin flowing through the redesigned system.

  Do TEER 4 and 5 workers still need an LMIA if they are applying through the Ontario Workforce Priority stream?

  The OINP provincial nomination process and the LMIA process serve different purposes. A provincial nomination through the Ontario Workforce Priority stream supports a permanent residence application. An LMIA supports a temporary work permit. A worker may still need an LMIA to obtain or extend a work permit that allows them to work for the employer while their permanent residence application is being processed, unless they qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit category. The 2 processes can run in parallel but are administered by different levels of government.

  Can someone working remotely from Ontario for an employer based in another province apply under this stream?

  The Ontario Workforce Priority stream requires the work to occur primarily in Ontario and the job offer must come from an employer with an active business operation in Ontario. A worker employed by an out-of-province company, even if the worker physically resides in Ontario, would generally not meet the employer eligibility requirements. The employer must be registered or eligible to register in the OINP Employer Portal, which requires an Ontario business presence meeting the minimum operating history, revenue, and employee thresholds.

  How will the new EOI scoring system differ from the former OINP EOI points grid?

  Ontario has not yet published the new EOI scoring criteria for the Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The former EOI points grid awarded points for factors such as NOC skill level, work experience in Canada, earnings history, knowledge of official languages, and regional job offer location. The new scoring system may retain some of these factors, modify weightings, or introduce new criteria aligned with Ontario’s current workforce priorities. Candidates should monitor the official OINP Program Updates page for the announcement of the new EOI points grid, which is expected when the system reopens later this summer.

  Are international students who graduated from Ontario colleges and universities still eligible under the new system?

  Ontario graduates may still be eligible under the TEER 0–3 pathway as recent Ontario graduates, which has a reduced work experience requirement of 3 consecutive months in the last 12 months in the job-offer position. However, they must meet the remaining eligibility criteria, including the education requirement and a qualifying full-time, permanent job offer from an eligible Ontario employer. Recent Ontario graduates are not subject to the TEER 0–3 language requirement. The former Masters Graduate and PhD Graduate streams, which did not require a job offer, are permanently closed. Graduates who do not have a qualifying job offer should explore federal immigration pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class or Post-Graduation Work Permit options.

  Fact-Checked: All eligibility criteria in this article have been verified against the Ontario Workforce Priority stream webpage and Ontario Regulation 422/17 as amended and in force on June 25, 2026. Program update details verified against the official OINP 2026 Program Updates page.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice; readers should consult with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for advice specific to their situation.

• 
  Largest Manitoba PNP Draw Of 2026 Sends 2,146 Invitations

  The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program issued 2,146 Letters of Advice to Apply in Expression of Interest Draw #275 on July 16, 2026.

  This is the largest single MPNP draw of 2026 by a wide margin, surpassing every previous round conducted this year.

  The draw targeted five distinct pathways, with the completed post-secondary study in Manitoba selection accounting for 1,874 of the 2,146 total invitations.

  A total of 825 of the candidates invited hold active Express Entry profiles, giving them a direct path to a 600-point CRS boost upon receiving their provincial nomination.

  This draw signals an aggressive push by Manitoba to use its 2026 federal nomination allocation before the end of the year.

  Key Highlights of Draw #275

  • MPNP issued 2,146 LAAs on July 16, 2026, the largest MPNP draw of the year.
  • The completed post-secondary study in Manitoba pathway received 1,874 invitations, representing 87% of the total draw.
  • A total of 825 candidates hold Express Entry profiles and will receive a 600-point CRS boost upon nomination.
  • MPNP targeted three healthcare NOC codes under the occupation-specific selection with 24 invitations.
  • The Francophone selection issued 84 LAAs to candidates with valid French language test results.
  • The Graduate Internship Pathway under the International Education Stream received 78 invitations.

  July 20 MPNP Draw at a Glance

  The table below summarizes the official details of Expression of Interest Draw #275 as published by the MPNP.

  Draw Detail	Information
  Draw Number	#275
  Draw Date	July 16, 2026
  Program	Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
  Total LAAs Issued	2,146
  Express Entry Aligned	825 of 2,146
  Draw Type	Expression of Interest (EOI)

  Full Breakdown of Invitations by Stream

  Draw #275 distributed invitations across five distinct selection pathways under the MPNP.

  Stream / Pathway	LAAs Issued
  Completed Post-Secondary Study in Manitoba	1,874
  Francophone Selection	84
  Graduate Internship Pathway (IES–GIP)	78
  Strategic Recruitment Initiative (SWS)	86
  Occupation-Specific Selection (Healthcare)	24
  Total	2,146

  The completed post-secondary study in Manitoba pathway alone accounted for 87% of all invitations issued in this round.

  Why the MPNP Study Pathway Dominated This Draw

  The 1,874 invitations issued through the completed post-secondary study in Manitoba pathway represent the single largest selection in any MPNP draw category in 2026.

  Candidates selected under this pathway declared that they or their spouse completed a post-secondary education program at a designated Manitoba institution.

  Eligible candidates must provide transcripts and diplomas proving completion of their Manitoba program when submitting their full application.

  MPNP has consistently prioritized local graduates in its immigration strategy, and this draw dramatically scales up that commitment.

  International students currently studying in Manitoba should note this pathway as one of the strongest provincial routes to permanent residence in Canada.

  Healthcare Occupation-Specific Selection

  MPNP issued 24 invitations under the occupation-specific selection targeting three healthcare NOC codes.

  NOC Code	Occupation Title	Stream
  31100	Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine	Healthcare
  31101	Specialists in Surgery	Healthcare
  31102	General Practitioners and Family Physicians	Healthcare

  Candidates needed to declare current employment in Manitoba in one of these unit groups to qualify for selection in this round.

  The healthcare focus aligns with federal and provincial priorities to address critical clinical staffing shortages across Canada.

  Francophone Selection

  The MPNP issued 84 invitations to candidates who declared French as their language of communication and submitted valid French language test results.

  This selection aligns with Canada’s federal target of achieving 9% Francophone immigration admissions outside Quebec by 2028.

  Manitoba’s Francophone selection runs parallel to IRCC’s French language proficiency category draws in Express Entry, reinforcing the bilingual immigration priority at both levels.

  Graduate Internship Pathway

  The International Education Stream’s Graduate Internship Pathway issued 78 LAAs to candidates who declared meeting its eligibility requirements.

  This pathway targets candidates who completed graduate-level internships through Manitoba research institutions and provincial projects.

  The GIP provides a direct nomination route for advanced degree holders with research experience relevant to Manitoba’s economic priorities.

  Strategic Recruitment Initiative

  The MPNP issued 86 LAAs under the Skilled Worker Stream’s strategic recruitment pathways, including Employer Services, Francophone Community, Regional Communities, and TPP initiatives.

  Of those 86 invitations, 18 went to candidates under the Temporary Public Policy to Facilitate Work Permits for Prospective Provincial Nominee Program Candidates.

  Skilled Worker Stream candidates were only considered if they had been directly invited by the MPNP under one of these recruitment initiatives.

  Express Entry Connection

  A total of 825 of the 2,146 candidates invited in this draw declared active Express Entry profiles with valid job seeker validation codes.

  Once these candidates receive their MPNP nomination, they will gain an automatic 600-point CRS boost in the Express Entry system.

  Recent PNP Express Entry draws have issued invitations at CRS cutoffs between 708 and 744, meaning any nominee with a base score above 108 is virtually guaranteed an invitation.

  The 825 Express Entry aligned candidates from this draw will enter the federal pool in the coming weeks, potentially affecting future PNP draw volumes.

  Latest MPNP Draws In 2026

  The table below shows the most recent MPNP Expression of Interest draws conducted in 2026.

  Draw #	Date	LAAs Issued
  275	July 16, 2026	2,146
  274	July 2, 2026	77
  273	June 18, 2026	124
  272	June 4, 2026	104
  271	May 21, 2026	96
  270	May 7, 2026	Occupation-Specific

  Draw #275 issued more invitations than the previous five MPNP draws combined, underscoring its significance alongside aggressive provincial draw activity across Canada in 2026.

  The MPNP has issued approximately 4,056 LAAs across all draws in 2026, working toward its federal allocation of 6,239 provincial nominations for the year.

  Candidates who received an LAA in Draw #275 must submit a complete application to the MPNP within 60 days of their invitation.

  Those selected under the completed study pathway must provide transcripts and diplomas confirming post-secondary completion in Manitoba.

  Express Entry-aligned candidates should ensure their federal profiles remain up-to-date while awaiting their provincial nomination.

  Candidates not selected in this round should keep their EOI profiles active, as MPNP conducts draws on a regular biweekly to monthly basis.

  International students in the province should explore the completed study and Graduate Internship pathways as primary routes to nomination.

  Draw #275 confirms that MPNP is accelerating its use of provincial nominee allocations in the second half of 2026.

  With 2,146 invitations in a single round, the MPNP has dramatically expanded its reach to international graduates, healthcare workers, and Francophone candidates.

  The 825 Express Entry-aligned candidates from this draw will strengthen the PNP nominee pool at the federal level in the coming weeks.

  Candidates considering Manitoba as a destination should submit their Expression of Interest profiles now to be considered in future draws.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  How many invitations did MPNP Draw #275 issue on July 16, 2026?

  Manitoba PNP Expression of Interest Draw #275 issued 2,146 Letters of Advice to Apply on July 16, 2026. This is the largest single MPNP draw of 2026. The completed post-secondary study in Manitoba pathway received 1,874 of those invitations, representing 87% of the total round.

  How many Express Entry candidates were invited in Manitoba PNP Draw #275?

  A total of 825 of the 2,146 candidates invited in Draw #275 declared active Express Entry profiles with valid job seeker validation codes. These candidates will receive an automatic 600 point CRS boost in Express Entry once they receive their Manitoba provincial nomination.

  What healthcare occupations did Manitoba PNP Draw #275 target?

  Draw #275 targeted three healthcare NOC codes under its occupation-specific selection: NOC 31100 for specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine, NOC 31101 for specialists in surgery, and NOC 31102 for general practitioners and family physicians. A total of 24 LAAs were issued across these occupations.

  What is the MPNP completed post-secondary study pathway?

  The completed post-secondary study in Manitoba pathway invites candidates who declared that they or their spouse completed a post-secondary education program at a designated Manitoba institution. In Draw #275, this pathway issued 1,874 LAAs, making it the dominant selection category in the round.

  How many total invitations has the Manitoba PNP issued in 2026?

  The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has issued exactly 4,056 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) across all draws in 2026 as of July 16. Manitoba holds a federal allocation of 6,239 provincial nominations for the year 2026. Draw #275 alone accounted for 2,146 of those invitations.

  Fact-Check: All data in this article, including the 2,146 invitation count, the stream-by-stream breakdown, the three healthcare NOC codes, and the 825 Express Entry-aligned figure, was verified against the official Expression of Interest Draw #275 results published by the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program on July 16, 2026. Federal nomination allocation figures were cross-referenced with IRCC-published data for 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. MPNP eligibility and selection criteria depend on individual circumstances that may change without notice. Readers should consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or licensed immigration lawyer before acting on any information presented here.

• 
  July 20 Express Entry Draw Issues 511 Invitations For Permanent Residence

  Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 511 invitations to apply for permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program draw on July 20, 2026.

  The Comprehensive Ranking System cutoff for this round surged to 744, a jump of 36 points from the 708 cutoff in the July 6 PNP draw.

  This is the fifth Express Entry draw of July 2026, following PNP, CEC, and French language rounds in the first nine days of the month.

  The Express Entry pool contained exactly 511 candidates in the 601 to 1200 score range, meaning IRCC invited every eligible PNP candidate above 600.

  This draw also opens a potential second draw cluster for July, and the coming days will be critical in determining whether IRCC has returned to a biweekly schedule.

  July 20, 2026 Express Entry PNP Draw at a Glance

  The table below summarizes the official draw details released by IRCC for this PNP round.

  Draw Detail	Information
  Program	Provincial Nominee Program
  Draw Date	July 20, 2026
  Draw Time (UTC)	10:34:30
  CRS Cutoff Score	744
  Invitations Issued	511
  Rank Required	511 or above
  Tie-Breaking Timestamp	May 26, 2026, at 18:11:36 UTC

  The full text of the Ministerial Instruction for this draw is available on the IRCC website.

  How the Tie-Breaking Rule Applied

  IRCC applies a tie-breaking rule when multiple candidates share the same lowest CRS score in a draw round.

  For this draw, IRCC set the tie-breaking timestamp at May 26, 2026, at 18:11:36 UTC.

  Candidates who scored exactly 744 needed to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before that date and time to qualify.

  The May 2026 timestamp indicates that the candidate at the cutoff had been in the pool for nearly two months before this draw.

  Why the CRS Cutoff Surged 36 Points to 744

  The CRS cutoff of 744 represents a 36-point jump from the 708 threshold in the July 6 PNP draw, a steep increase between consecutive PNP rounds this year.

  A CRS score of 744 means that the lowest-ranked invited candidate held a base CRS score of 144 before adding the 600-point provincial nomination boost.

  The Express Entry pool held exactly 511 candidates in the 601 to 1200 score range as of July 19, 2026.

  IRCC issued exactly 511 invitations, which means the department invited every single candidate above the 600 point threshold.

  The July 6 draw had already cleared most of the 601-plus pool, and the 511 candidates present on July 19 are largely new entrants who received nominations between draws.

  These newer PNP candidates carry higher base CRS scores than the group invited on July 6, which explains the 36-point cutoff increase.

  The smaller invitation count of 511 compared to 534 on July 6 also reflects the reduced number of PNP nominees available in the pool at draw time.

  PNP Draw Comparison: July 6 vs July 20

  The table below compares the two PNP draws held in July 2026, showing the shift in CRS cutoff, pool size, and invitation volume.

  Metric	July 6, 2026 PNP	July 20, 2026 PNP
  Invitations Issued	534	511
  CRS Cutoff Score	708	744
  CRS Change	—	+36 points
  Candidates in 601–1200	525 (July 5 pool)	511 (July 19 pool)
  Total Pool Size	235,127	231,533
  Tie-Breaking Timestamp	June 4, 2026	May 26, 2026

  The 36-point CRS increase is driven by the refreshed composition of the PNP candidate pool between the two draw dates.

  Latest Express Entry Pool CRS Score Distribution

  The Express Entry pool contained 231,533 candidates as of July 19, 2026, a decline of 3,594 from the July 5 snapshot.

  The numbers below reflect the total number of candidates in the pool one day before this invitation round.

  CRS Score Range	Number of Candidates
  601–1200	511
  501–600	18,133
  451–500	72,579
  491–500	12,880
  481–490	12,615
  471–480	16,119
  461–470	16,086
  451–460	14,879
  401–450	63,877
  441–450	13,680
  431–440	13,437
  421–430	11,961
  411–420	12,460
  401–410	12,339
  351–400	51,107
  301–350	17,490
  0–300	7,836
  Total	231,533

  Key Takeaways from the Pool Data

  The total Express Entry pool dropped from 235,127 on July 5 to 231,533 on July 19, shedding 3,594 candidates in two weeks.

  The 401 to 450 CRS range saw the largest decline, losing 1,941 candidates as profiles expired or candidates received invitations through other draws.

  The 451 to 500 range dropped by 1,112 candidates, while the 501 to 600 range lost 478 profiles over the same period.

  The 601 to 1200 range decreased from 525 to 511 candidates despite the July 6 draw clearing the pool, confirming that 511 new PNP nominees entered between draws.

  The 451 to 500 range remains the most populated bracket with 72,579 profiles, followed by 63,877 candidates between 401 and 450.

  These two ranges together hold over 58% of the entire Express Entry pool.

  https://youtu.be/rwfOt2Dv_wk?si=za-ON3miHPzfKfwX

  Has IRCC Returned to a Biweekly Draw Schedule?

  The first Express Entry draw cluster of July 2026 ran from July 6 through July 9 with PNP, CEC, and French language rounds.

  This July 20 PNP draw arrives 11 days after that first cluster and appears to mark the beginning of a second cluster within the same month.

  The remaining days of this week will be critical in confirming whether IRCC has adopted a biweekly draw schedule.

  If IRCC follows this PNP round with Canadian Experience Class, French language proficiency, or occupation-based draws later this week, it would confirm a clear two-cluster-per-month pattern.

  A biweekly schedule would represent a shift from the single monthly cluster model that IRCC began using in June 2026.

  Candidates eligible under category-based draws should keep their profiles current in anticipation of additional rounds this week.

  Whether IRCC maintains this pace or reverts to a single cluster will shape expectations for the remainder of 2026.

  July 2026 Express Entry Draws at a Glance

  IRCC has issued four Express Entry draws in July 2026, bringing the total confirmed invitations to 8,545 across four distinct rounds.

  Draw Category	Date	ITAs	CRS Cutoff
  Provincial Nominee Program	July 6	534	708
  Canadian Experience Class	July 7	2,000	517
  French Language Proficiency	July 9	5,000	420
  Senior managers with Canadian Work Experience	July 10	500	392
  Provincial Nominee Program	July 20	511	744
  CEC / French / Occupation	Remaining week	TBD	TBD
  July 2026 Total (Confirmed)	—	8,545	—

  What Candidates Should Do Now

  PNP candidates who scored 744 or above and submitted profiles before May 26, 2026, should check for their invitation.

  Candidates without a provincial nomination should explore active streams in programs like the OINP, BC PNP, and SINP.

  Improving language scores through IELTS or CELPIP retakes remains an effective way to gain additional CRS points without a nomination.

  Candidates eligible under CEC, French language, or occupation-based categories should watch for potential additional draws this week.

  Keeping an Express Entry profile accurate and up to date with current work experience, education, and language results is essential before the next round.

  Key Highlights

  • IRCC issued 511 PNP invitations on July 20, 2026, with a CRS cutoff of 744.
  • The CRS cutoff surged 36 points from the 708 threshold in the July 6 PNP draw.
  • The pool held exactly 511 candidates scoring above 600, meaning IRCC invited the entire 601+ range.
  • The Express Entry pool shrank by 3,594 candidates from 235,127 on July 5 to 231,533 on July 19.
  • This is the fifth Express Entry draw of July 2026, bringing total confirmed invitations to 8,545.
  • If IRCC holds additional rounds this week, it would signal a return to a biweekly draw schedule.

  The July 20 PNP draw confirms that IRCC continues to prioritize provincial nominee pathways in the Express Entry system.

  With a CRS cutoff of 744 and every candidate above 600 invited, this round shows that the PNP pool refreshes quickly between draws.

  The coming days will determine whether IRCC has fully transitioned to a biweekly draw schedule for the second half of 2026.

  Candidates should ensure their profiles are current and monitor IRCC announcements closely as the remaining week unfolds.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  What was the CRS cutoff in the July 20, 2026, Express Entry PNP draw?

  The CRS cutoff in the July 20, 2026, Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry draw was 744. IRCC issued 511 invitations to apply for permanent residence. The 744 cutoff represents a 36-point increase from the July 6 PNP draw cutoff of 708, driven by higher base CRS scores among new PNP nominees entering the pool.

  Why did the PNP Express Entry CRS cutoff jump from 708 to 744 in July 2026?

  The CRS cutoff jumped 36 points because the July 6 draw cleared most PNP candidates from the pool, and the 511 nominees present on July 19 were newer entrants with higher base CRS scores. IRCC invited every candidate above 600 in the pool, and the lowest-ranked of those 511 candidates scored 744.

  How many candidates are in the Express Entry pool in July 2026?

  The Express Entry pool contained 231,533 candidates as of July 19, 2026. This represents a decline of 3,594 from the 235,127 recorded on July 5. The 451 to 500 CRS range remains the largest bracket with 72,579 profiles.

  Has IRCC returned to a biweekly Express Entry draw schedule?

  IRCC held its first draw cluster of July 2026 from July 6 to 9 and followed with a PNP draw on July 20. If additional rounds targeting CEC, French language, or occupation-based categories follow later this week, it would indicate a biweekly two-cluster-per-month pattern for Express Entry.

  How many Express Entry invitations has IRCC issued in July 2026?

  IRCC has issued 8,045 confirmed Express Entry invitations in July 2026 across four draws. The PNP draw on July 6 sent 534; the CEC draw on July 7 issued 2,000; the French language draw on July 9 delivered 5,000; and the PNP draw on July 20 added 511. Additional draws may follow this week.

  Fact-Check: All data in this article, including the CRS cutoff score of 744, the 511 invitation count, and the tie-breaking timestamp of May 26, 2026, was verified against official Express Entry draw results published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on July 20, 2026. Pool distribution data was sourced from the IRCC CRS score distribution report dated July 19, 2026. Comparison figures from the July 6 PNP draw were cross-referenced with IRCC Ministerial Instructions.

  Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. Express Entry eligibility and CRS scores depend on individual circumstances that may change without notice. Readers should consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or licensed immigration lawyer before acting on any information presented here.

• 
  Canada’s Foreign Worker Program Violations Rise As Penalties More Than Double

  The federal government released its latest enforcement data, and the numbers tell a story that goes far beyond a routine compliance update.

  Penalties against non-compliant employers more than doubled in one year, 30 employers were banned from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and inspections focused on areas considered at higher risk of potential non-compliance.

  But the headline figures only scratch the surface of what may be contributing to the rise in violations.

  With millions of temporary-resident documents expiring in 2025 and 2026, demand for employer-backed work authorization may increase as the government tightens program access.

  What The Enforcement Data Actually Shows

  Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) released its compliance results on July 9, 2026, covering the fiscal year from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.

  The department finalized 1,488 compliance inspections during that period, concentrating resources on areas flagged as highest risk for non-compliance.

  Of the employers inspected, 12% were found to be non-compliant with program requirements.

  Total monetary penalties exceeded $10.2 million, more than doubling last year’s total of $4.5 million.

  A total of 30 employers were banned from accessing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

  Year-Over-Year TFW Program Enforcement Comparison

  Metric	2024–2025	2025–2026	Change
  Monetary Penalties Issued	$4,882,500	More Than $10.2 Million	More Than Doubled
  Employers Banned	36	30	Down 6
  Inspections Finalized	1,435	1,488	Up 53
  Non-Compliance Rate	10%	12%	Up 2 Percentage Points

  Context: A Large Wave Of Expiring Permits

  Canada is also experiencing a large wave of temporary-resident document expiries, which may increase demand for employer-backed work authorization.

  However, the federal enforcement release does not establish that permit expiries caused the higher non-compliance rate or the increase in penalties.

  Government data shows that 2,125,035 temporary-resident documents expired in 2025, with another 1,938,805 expected to expire in 2026.

  In the first three months of 2026 alone, over 314,000 work permits expired.

  These figures count expiring documents, not necessarily unique individuals who lost legal status.

  A person may hold more than one document, apply before expiry and obtain maintained status, transition to a different immigration category, become a permanent resident, or leave Canada.

  Workers who apply to extend before their permit expires may legally remain in Canada and, in qualifying circumstances, continue working while IRCC processes the application.

  Still, the scale of expirations has put pressure on every available transition pathway, including LMIA-backed work permits, which remain one of the few options for workers who need employer-specific authorization to stay.

  The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan sets the TFWP admissions target at 60,000 for 2026, down from 82,000 in 2025, while permanent-resident admissions are set at 380,000 across all categories.

  These targets cover all immigration streams and applicant pools, including people outside Canada, family reunification, and refugees, so they cannot be directly compared against the number of expiring temporary-resident documents.

  Three Employer Violations Highlighted By ESDC

  ESDC highlighted three enforcement actions from the 2025-2026 fiscal year that illustrate the scope of violations being uncovered.

  A long-haul trucking employer in Manitoba was fined $240,000 and banned for five years for failing to provide proper working conditions, violating federal and provincial labour laws, and refusing to provide documentation to inspectors.

  A management and technical consulting firm in Quebec received a $122,000 penalty and a five-year ban for placing a worker in a different occupation than described in the job offer, providing inaccurate LMIA application information, and failing to maintain a workplace free of abuse.

  A restaurant in Nova Scotia was fined $126,000 and banned for two years for failing to provide proper wages and working conditions, violating labour laws, and failing to protect workers from workplace abuse.

  Non-compliant employers are listed on a public-facing registry managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and administrative monetary penalties can reach up to $1 million per year.

  Highlighted Employer Penalties (2025-2026)

  Province	Sector	Penalty	Ban Duration
  Manitoba	Long-Haul Trucking	$240,000	5 Years
  Quebec	Consulting Services	$122,000	5 Years
  Nova Scotia	Restaurant	$126,000	2 Years

  New Rules Tightening The LMIA Process In 2026

  The enforcement results coincide with new low-wage LMIA measures that took effect in April 2026 to strengthen domestic recruitment and program integrity.

  Employers applying under the low-wage stream must now advertise positions for eight consecutive weeks before submitting an LMIA application, doubled from the previous four-week requirement.

  Low-wage LMIA applicants must also demonstrate adequate efforts to specifically target Canadian youth in their recruitment before seeking foreign workers.

  Coordination between the Job Bank and the TFW Program has been strengthened to give processing officers better data on domestic job seekers, including Employment Insurance recipients.

  ESDC has enhanced its LMIA assessment process with stringent reviews of high-risk sectors, including retail, food services, accommodation, trucking, and industries with high youth employment.

  The quarterly CMA unemployment rate refresh prevents the processing of many low-wage LMIA applications in metropolitan areas where unemployment is 6% or higher, although exemptions apply to specified agriculture, construction, food-manufacturing, health-care, caregiving, permanent-residence-support, and short-duration positions.

  Advanced analytics and information from tips, allegations, and past inspections are now being used at the LMIA processing stage itself to flag potential misuse before a permit is even granted.

  LMIA Fraud Concerns Persist Despite Stronger Enforcement

  The enforcement numbers capture only employers who were inspected and found non-compliant within the formal system.

  Concerns about a broader LMIA black market in Canada have been raised repeatedly by immigration advocates, media investigations, and federal officials.

  Unregulated immigration consultants and dishonest employers have been reported to offer fraudulent LMIA-connected job arrangements to temporary residents facing expiring status.

  An internal IRCC trend report on Canada’s trucking sector, obtained through a federal Access to Information request and originally published by Vancouver-based immigration lawyer Steven Meurrens, flagged patterns including fabricated pay stubs, false reference letters, and fraudulent tax documents used to support work permit applications.

  The federal government removed LMIA-backed job offer points from Express Entry on March 25, 2025, specifically because the bonus CRS points had become an incentive for fraudulent job offer sales.

  Despite that change, demand for employer-specific work permits remains high among workers who need job-backed authorization to maintain legal status in Canada.

  Employers and recruiters acting on their behalf are prohibited from charging or recovering LMIA processing and recruitment fees from temporary foreign workers.

  Workers should not pay an employer or recruiter in exchange for an LMIA-backed job.

  Service Canada’s confidential tip line at 1-866-602-9448 accepts reports 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live agents are available in more than 200 languages from Monday to Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time, while callers can leave a message after hours.

  What This Means For Employers And Workers

  The TFWP admission target for 2026 has been set at 60,000, down from 82,000 in 2025.

  Employers who rely on the program must comply with stricter domestic recruitment obligations, including the eight-week advertising period and documented efforts to hire Canadian youth for low-wage positions.

  Service Canada and ESDC maintain authority to conduct inspections for six years following the first day of employment for any temporary foreign worker.

  For temporary residents facing expiring permits in 2026, the narrowing of available pathways means greater competition for a limited number of LMIA-backed positions.

  Workers must know their rights and should never pay an employer or recruiter for an LMIA-backed job offer, regardless of how the payment is described.

  Those experiencing workplace abuse or exploitation can apply for the open work permit for vulnerable workers, which may allow them to leave an abusive employer without losing legal status.

  More than doubling of TFW Program penalties reflects a genuine enforcement escalation at a time when the system is managing large volumes of temporary residents and tightening program access simultaneously.

  Whether the higher penalty totals are primarily the result of stricter enforcement, increased violations driven by market pressure, or both remains an open question that the government’s data does not fully resolve.

  Employers, workers, and applicants should monitor ESDC’s quarterly unemployment rate updates and evolving compliance requirements.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  How long does an employer remain on the non-compliant employers list after a violation?

  The consequence depends on the severity and type of violation. Program bans can last one, two, five or ten years or be permanent for the most serious violations. IRCC’s public list displays the employer’s final-decision date, monetary penalty, ban status and reasons for non-compliance.

  Does an LMIA violation by the employer affect a foreign worker’s immigration status?

  An employer’s non-compliance finding does not necessarily mean every affected worker’s permit is immediately cancelled. However, enforcement can affect outstanding LMIAs, pending work-permit applications and, in some circumstances, active permits. Workers should review any communication from IRCC and obtain advice based on their specific status.

  Are LMIA inspections triggered only by tips or does ESDC conduct random audits?

  ESDC uses a combination of methods to select employers for inspection. Tips and allegations reported through the confidential tip line do trigger targeted reviews, but the department also uses advanced analytics and risk profiling to identify employers with a higher probability of non-compliance. Random inspections can occur as well, and ESDC retains the authority to inspect any employer who has hired a temporary foreign worker for up to six years after the worker’s first day of employment.

  Can provincial governments override federal LMIA restrictions in their jurisdiction?

  Provinces and territories cannot override the federal LMIA framework, but they can influence program access in certain ways. For example, provinces can request that rural employers within their jurisdiction be allowed to increase their share of low-wage temporary foreign workers from 10% to 15% of their workforce under the new rural flexibility measures effective April 2026. However, the core program requirements including the CMA unemployment rate restriction, the eight-week advertising rule, and the youth recruitment obligation are federally mandated and apply uniformly regardless of provincial participation.

  What happens to a worker’s maintained status if their employer is banned from the TFW Program mid-permit?

  
  A worker on maintained status, meaning they submitted an extension or renewal application before their existing permit expired, generally retains authorization to remain in Canada and may continue working under the conditions of their previous permit while IRCC processes the new application. However, if the underlying LMIA is revoked or the employer is banned, the pending application may be affected. Workers in this situation should contact IRCC directly or seek advice from a licensed immigration professional to understand how the employer’s ban interacts with their individual application and status.

  Fact-Checked: Enforcement data and employer penalty details in this article have been verified against the official ESDC news release dated July 9, 2026. Permit-expiry figures are drawn from IRCC’s 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC’s 2026-27 Departmental Plan, and ATIP-sourced data as cited in linked reporting. LMIA fraud references draw on a federal Access to Information request published by immigration lawyer Steven Meurrens and previously reported information as cited in the linked sources.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice; readers should consult with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for advice specific to their situation.

• 
  New Service Canada Benefit Payment Dates 2026-2027

  Service Canada administers some of the most important benefit payments in the country, and together they reflect the strength of Canada’s social safety net.

  Some of these monthly deposits exceed $1,500 on their own, while others stack together to push combined household payments past $2,200 per month.

  Several of these benefits are increasing at different times of the year, with one program adjusting four times in a year and another receiving its inflation bump in the beginning of the new year.

  Whether you are already receiving payments or planning to apply in the months ahead, knowing the exact deposit date for each month prevents missed bills, overdraft fees, and unnecessary stress.

  This guide covers every Service Canada benefit payment date, every current dollar amount, the increase schedule for each program, and calculation charts showing what different recipients can expect to receive.

  CPP, OAS, and GIS Payment Dates: July 2026 to December 2027

  The Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, the Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor all deposit on the same dates each month, typically in the final week.

  Payments are issued on the scheduled dates, but direct deposits may take a few days to appear.

  Posted cheques can take longer, and recipients should generally wait 5 to 10 business days before reporting a missing payment.

  • July 29, 2026 (Wednesday)
  • August 27, 2026 (Thursday)
  • September 25, 2026 (Friday)
  • October 28, 2026 (Wednesday)
  • November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
  • December 22, 2026 (Tuesday)
  • January 27, 2027 (Wednesday)
  • February 24, 2027 (Wednesday)
  • March 29, 2027 (Monday)
  • April 28, 2027 (Wednesday)
  • May 27, 2027 (Thursday)
  • June 28, 2027 (Monday)
  • July 28, 2027 (Wednesday)
  • August 27, 2027 (Friday)
  • September 27, 2027 (Monday)
  • October 27, 2027 (Wednesday)
  • November 26, 2027 (Friday)
  • December 22, 2027 (Wednesday)

  The December payment is moved earlier each year to ensure deposits arrive before the Christmas and Boxing Day bank closures.

  There is no extra or 13th payment in December, and the gap between the December 22 deposit and the late-January payment is approximately five weeks, the longest stretch between payments all year.

  These dates apply to CPP retirement pensions, CPP disability benefits, CPP survivor pensions, CPP children’s benefits, OAS pensions, GIS, the Allowance, and the Allowance for the Survivor.

  Canada Disability Benefit Payment Dates: July 2026 to December 2027

  The Canada Disability Benefit follows a different schedule from CPP and OAS.

  Service Canada issues CDB payments on the third Thursday of every month, which means CDB deposits arrive earlier in the month than pension payments.

  More than 600,000 Canadians aged 18 to 64 with approved Disability Tax Credit certificates receive this monthly payment.

  • July 16, 2026 (Thursday)
  • August 20, 2026 (Thursday)
  • September 17, 2026 (Thursday)
  • October 15, 2026 (Thursday)
  • November 19, 2026 (Thursday)
  • December 17, 2026 (Thursday)
  • January 21, 2027 (Thursday)
  • February 18, 2027 (Thursday)
  • March 18, 2027 (Thursday)
  • April 15, 2027 (Thursday)
  • May 20, 2027 (Thursday)
  • June 17, 2027 (Thursday)
  • July 15, 2027 (Thursday)
  • August 19, 2027 (Thursday)
  • September 16, 2027 (Thursday)
  • October 21, 2027 (Thursday)
  • November 18, 2027 (Thursday)
  • December 16, 2027 (Thursday)

  The CDB benefit year runs from July through June, so July payments each year reflect updated income calculations and any annual indexation adjustment.

  CDB recipients who also collect CPP disability should note that these two payments arrive on completely different schedules, as explained in our June 2026 CDB guide.

  CPP Payment Amounts and the Annual January Increase

  Unlike OAS, the Canada Pension Plan adjusts once per year in January based on the Consumer Price Index.

  For 2026, CPP benefits in pay increased by 2.0%, applied to every monthly payment starting with the January 28 deposit.

  This annual indexation applies to all CPP benefit types, including retirement pensions, disability benefits, survivor pensions, and children’s benefits.

  The 2.0% rate was calculated by comparing the average CPI for the 12 months ending October 2025 against the same period one year earlier, as published on the official CPP payment amounts page.

  CPP Maximum and Average Monthly Amounts (January 2026)

  Type of pension or benefit	Average amount for new beneficiaries (April 2026)	Maximum monthly payment amount (2026)
  Retirement pension (at age 65)	$877.01	$1,507.65
  Post-retirement benefit (at age 65)	$25.76	$54.69
  Disability benefit	$1,234.68	$1,741.20
  Post-retirement disability benefit	$610.46	$610.46
  Survivor’s pension – younger than 65	$549.62	$803.54
  Survivor’s pension – 65 and older	$339.36	$904.59
  Children of disabled or deceased contributor benefit – under age 18	$307.81	$307.81
  Children of disabled or deceased contributor benefit – full-time student	$307.81	$307.81
  Children of disabled or deceased contributor benefit – part-time student	$153.91	$153.91
  Death benefit (one-time payment)1	$2,606.18	$2,500.00
  Combined survivor’s and retirement pension (at age 65)	$1,103.97	$1,531.56
  Combined survivor’s pension and disability benefit	$1,335.78	$1,756.14

  The $1,507.65 maximum applies only to individuals who begin a new CPP retirement pension at age 65 with a full contribution history at the maximum pensionable earnings level for approximately 39 years.

  Most Canadians receive closer to the $877.01 average because contribution gaps from school, unemployment, caregiving, or part-time work reduce the calculated amount.

  The CPP death benefit provides a standard one-time payment of $2,500. An additional $2,500 top-up may apply in limited circumstances, bringing the maximum possible payment to $5,000.

  How Your CPP Start Age Affects Monthly Payments

  Choosing when to start CPP is one of the most significant retirement income decisions because the monthly amount is permanently adjusted based on your start age.

  Start Age	Adjustment	Estimated Monthly (Based on 2026 Max)
  Age 60	-36.0% (0.6% per month x 60 months)	$964.90
  Age 65	No adjustment (standard age)	$1,507.65
  Age 70	+42.0% (0.7% per month x 60 months)	$2,140.86

  Starting at 60 locks in a permanent 36% reduction, while waiting until 70 provides a 42% permanent increase over the age-65 amount.

  These figures represent the maximum scenario and your actual amount will depend on your personal contribution history.

  OAS Quarterly Increases and Payment Amounts

  Old Age Security adjusts four times per year—in January, April, July, and October—based on changes in the Consumer Price Index measured by Statistics Canada.

  This quarterly review means OAS recipients can see their payment change up to four times in a single year, unlike CPP, which only changes in January.

  Under the Old Age Security Act, published OAS rates never decrease even when inflation falls, providing a one-way floor that protects purchasing power.

  2026 OAS Maximum Monthly Pension by Quarter

  Quarter	Ages 65-74	Ages 75+	Quarterly Increase
  January – March 2026	$742.31	$816.54	0.3%
  April – June 2026	$743.05	$817.36	0.1%
  July – September 2026	$751.97	$827.17	1.2%
  October – December 2026	TBD (CPI dependent)	TBD (CPI dependent)	TBD

  The July to September 2026 amounts reflect the 1.2% quarterly increase, the largest single-quarter adjustment of the year.

  Seniors aged 75 and older continue to receive the permanent 10% enhancement that was introduced in July 2022 on top of all regular quarterly adjustments.

  Seniors who defer OAS past age 65 receive a 0.6% increase for every month of deferral, up to a maximum of 36% at age 70.

  Guaranteed Income Supplement Amounts

  The GIS provides additional monthly income to low-income OAS recipients and follows the same quarterly adjustment cycle as OAS.

  GIS is a non-taxable benefit paid on top of the OAS pension, and the two are typically combined into a single deposit on the same date each month.

  Maximum Monthly GIS Amounts (July – September 2026)

  Recipient situation	Maximum monthly GIS/Allowance	Income threshold
  Single, widowed, or divorced	$1,123.17	$22,800
  Spouse/partner receives full OAS	$676.09 each	$30,096 combined
  Spouse/partner does not receive OAS or Allowance	$1,123.17	$54,624 combined
  Spouse/partner receives the Allowance	$676.09	$42,144 combined
  Allowance, age 60–64	$1,428.06	$42,144 combined
  Allowance for the Survivor, age 60–64	$1,702.34	$30,696

  For the July to September 2026 quarter, GIS maximums increase by 1.2% alongside OAS, pushing the single maximum to approximately $1,123.17 per month.

  GIS is reduced by $1 for every $2 of annual income other than OAS, creating a 50% reduction rate for single seniors.

  A single senior with no other income receives a combined OAS and GIS payment of approximately $1,875 per month starting with the July 29, 2026 deposit.

  Every July, Service Canada recalculates GIS using your previous year’s tax return, which is why filing on time by April 30 is essential to avoid payment suspensions.

  https://youtu.be/llWKcyqVmVE?si=lhy1s01IKw-9NMlL

  Canada Disability Benefit Amounts Increase

  The Canada Disability Benefit was introduced in mid-2025 as a monthly income support for working-age Canadians aged 18 to 64 who hold a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate.

  The CDB received its first annual inflation adjustment in July 2026 based on a 2.1% CPI indexation factor.

  CDB Payment Amounts by Benefit Year

  Benefit Period	Maximum Monthly	Maximum Annual	Indexation Rate
  July 2025–June 2026	$200.00	$2,400.00	N/A (pre-indexation)
  July 2026 – June 2027	$204.20	$2,450.40	2.1%

  The income thresholds for receiving the full CDB also increased with the July indexation.

  Single recipients now have an income threshold of $23,483, up from $23,000, while the couple threshold rose from $32,500 to $33,182.50.

  The working income exemption allows single recipients to earn up to $10,210 in employment income before it affects their benefit calculation, while couples can exclude up to $14,294.

  Beginning in September 2026, eligible CDB recipients may also receive a one-time supplemental payment of $150 to help offset costs associated with obtaining a Disability Tax Credit certificate.

  The CDB is non-taxable, does not need to be reported as income on your annual tax return, and does not generate a tax slip.

  Its treatment under provincial disability programs depends on the rules in each province or territory.

  Combined Monthly Payment Calculation Charts

  The following charts show what different recipients can receive per month based on current 2026 amounts, assuming maximum eligibility in each category.

  Scenario 1: Senior Aged 65-74, Single, Low Income (July 2026)

  Benefit	Monthly Amount
  OAS pension (maximum, ages 65-74)	$751.97
  GIS (maximum, single)	$1,123.17
  Combined monthly total	$1,875.14
  Combined annual total	$22,501.68

  Scenario 2: Senior Aged 75+, Single, Low Income (July 2026)

  Benefit	Monthly Amount
  OAS pension (maximum, ages 75+)	$827.17
  GIS (maximum, single)	$1,123.17
  Combined monthly total	$1,950.34
  Combined annual total	$23,404.08

  Scenario 3: Retiree With Maximum CPP + Full OAS at Age 65 (July 2026)

  Benefit	Monthly Amount
  CPP retirement pension (maximum at 65)	$1,507.65
  OAS pension (maximum, ages 65-74)	$751.97
  Combined monthly total	$2,259.62
  Combined annual total	$27,115.44

  Scenario 4: Working-Age Canadian With Disability (July 2026)

  Benefit	Monthly Amount
  CPP disability benefit (maximum)	$1,741.20
  Canada Disability Benefit (maximum)	$204.20
  Combined monthly total	$1,945.40
  Combined annual total	$23,344.80

  These scenarios illustrate theoretical maximums and actual amounts depend on individual contribution history, income, years of Canadian residence, and marital status.

  Use the My Service Canada Account to see your personalized benefit estimates.

  OAS Recovery Tax Quick Reference

  Higher-income seniors may have their OAS reduced through the recovery tax, commonly called the clawback.

  For the July 2026 to June 2027 recovery period, the threshold is based on your 2025 net world income.

  Detail	Amount
  Recovery tax begins at (2025 income)	$93,454
  Recovery rate	15 cents per dollar above threshold
  Full OAS eliminated at (ages 65-74)	$152,062
  Full OAS eliminated at (ages 75+)	$157,923
  Recovery spread over	12 monthly OAS payments

  A large RRIF withdrawal, rental income spike, or capital gain in 2025 can push your net income past the threshold and reduce your OAS for the entire July 2026 to June 2027 period.

  Key Dates Every Recipient Should Remember

  Several annual milestones directly affect your Service Canada payments throughout the year.

  Date	What Happens
  January 1	CPP annual indexation takes effect for the year
  January, April, July, October	OAS and GIS quarterly CPI adjustments
  April 30	Tax filing deadline for maintaining GIS and CDB eligibility
  July 1	GIS annual recalculation using previous year’s tax return
  July 1	CDB benefit year resets with new indexation and income calculations
  July 1	OAS recovery tax period resets based on prior-year income

  Filing your income tax return by April 30 is the single most important action for maintaining uninterrupted benefit payments from both Service Canada and the CRA.

  Service Canada administers the largest retirement and disability payment programs in the country, delivering billions of dollars in monthly deposits to Canadians in every province and territory.

  CPP recipients received a 2.0% increase in January 2026, OAS recipients are seeing quarterly adjustments of 0.3%, 0.1%, and 1.2% across the first three quarters of 2026, and CDB recipients received their first-ever indexation of 2.1% in July 2026.

  Setting up direct deposit through your My Service Canada Account is the fastest way to receive all payments on time without relying on postal delivery.

  Bookmark the official Government of Canada benefits calendar and check back when Service Canada publishes any schedule updates.

  For a complete list of all CRA-administered benefit payments, including the Canada Child Benefit, Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, and provincial credits, see our full 2026 CRA payment dates guide.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Can I receive CPP and OAS at the same time as the Canada Disability Benefit?

  CPP disability and CDB are separate programs with different eligibility criteria and payment schedules. You can receive CPP disability alongside the CDB if you meet the requirements for both, but the CDB is income-tested and your CPP disability income counts toward the income calculation that determines your CDB amount. CDB eligibility ends the month after you turn 65, at which point you would transition to OAS and potentially GIS instead.

  What happens to my GIS if I did not file my tax return?

  Service Canada suspends GIS payments if your tax return is not filed by the April 30 deadline because the agency cannot verify your income eligibility for the new July-to-June benefit year. Payments may be retroactively restored once the return is processed, but this can take several months and leave a gap in income during the interim. Your spouse or common-law partner must also file on time for your GIS to continue uninterrupted.

  Will the CPP 2027 indexation rate be higher or lower than 2.0%?

  The 2027 CPP indexation rate will be determined by the average Consumer Price Index for the 12 months ending October 2026 compared to the same period one year earlier. Service Canada announces the official rate in late 2026 or early January 2027 before the first payment of the year. If inflation moderates through the second half of 2026, the 2027 rate could be lower than the 2.0% applied in 2026, but this depends entirely on future CPI readings.

  Does receiving the OAS pension affect my eligibility for provincial disability programs like ODSP?

  OAS and GIS are federal programs administered by Service Canada, while provincial programs like ODSP have their own income rules. In Ontario, ODSP eligibility generally ends at age 65 when recipients transition to OAS and GIS, but the transition requires careful planning to avoid income gaps. Provincial rules vary across Canada, so recipients approaching 65 should contact both Service Canada and their provincial agency to coordinate the switch.

  How do I check whether my Service Canada payment has been processed?

  The My Service Canada Account portal allows you to view payment information for CPP, OAS, GIS, and the Canada Disability Benefit. Payments may take a few days to arrive, and Service Canada advises waiting 5 to 10 business days before contacting the program about a missing payment. For CPP, OAS, or GIS payments, call 1-800-277-9914. For Canada Disability Benefit payments, call 1-833-486-3007. Have your Social Insurance Number ready when calling.

  Fact-Checked: All 2026 payment dates, benefit amounts, and indexation rates referenced in this article are verified against the official Government of Canada CPP payment amounts page, the OAS payment amounts page, and the Canada Disability Benefit program page as of July 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. The 2026 payment dates are published by Service Canada. The 2027 payment dates are projected using the standard Service Canada scheduling pattern and are subject to official confirmation when the 2027 calendar is published. Contact Service Canada or consult a licensed financial or tax professional for advice specific to your circumstances. Benefit eligibility and amounts depend on individual circumstances including contribution history, residency, income, and marital status.

• 
  New Data Breach Settlement Could Pay Canadians Up To $25,000

  A proposed $35 million class action settlement could put up to $25,000 into the hands of Canadians whose personal information was compromised in a massive Capital One data breach.

  This data breach settlement, filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, covers Canadian residents outside Quebec who applied for or held a Capital One credit card and received a breach notification letter.

  Court-appointed notice of the proposed settlement was first published on July 13, 2026, and Canadians now have until September 11, 2026, to decide whether to remain in the class or opt out.

  A settlement approval hearing is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at the courthouse at 800 Smithe Street in Vancouver, British Columbia.

  Capital One denies all wrongdoing and liability but has agreed to pay the settlement fund to resolve the litigation and avoid the uncertainty of a trial.

  Here is everything Canadian consumers need to know about this settlement, including who qualifies, how much they could receive, and the critical deadlines they cannot afford to miss.

  What Exactly Is the Capital One Data Breach Settlement

  An unauthorized outside individual gained access to certain types of personal information belonging to Capital One credit card applicants and customers across Canada.

  The intrusion occurred between March 12 and April 21, 2019, when a former Amazon Web Services software engineer exploited a misconfigured web application firewall in Capital One’s cloud infrastructure.

  The class action alleges that Capital One had inadequate data security measures in place to protect the personal information of its credit card holders during this period.

  Capital One sent notification letters to affected customers advising them that their information may have been subject to unauthorized access.

  Some Canadian customers had their Social Insurance Numbers compromised, placing them in a higher-risk category under the settlement structure.

  The breach affected approximately six million Canadian residents in addition to roughly 100 million individuals in the United States.

  Federal authorities in the United States traced the breach to a former AWS engineer who was subsequently convicted on multiple federal charges, including wire fraud.

  What Personal Information Was Compromised

  The breach exposed a wide range of sensitive personal and financial data belonging to Canadian credit card applicants and customers.

  Here is a breakdown of the categories of personal data that were accessed during the unauthorized intrusion.

  Category of Data	Details
  Personal identifiers	Full names, dates of birth, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses
  Financial data	Credit scores, credit limits, account balances, payment histories, transaction records
  Government-issued numbers	Social Insurance Numbers for a subset of affected Canadians, placing them in the higher-risk SIN Member category
  Credit card application records	Application details submitted by individual and small-business customers over a multi-year period

  Canadians who received a notification letter from Capital One about the breach is automatically considered a class member under the proposed settlement.

  How the $35 Million Canadian Settlement Works

  The class action was certified by the Supreme Court of British Columbia on June 3, 2022.

  After years of litigation, the parties reached a settlement agreement under which Capital One will pay $35 million into a settlement fund.

  After deductions for legal fees, disbursements, taxes, administrative expenses, and a $5,000 honorarium for the named plaintiff, the remaining net settlement fund will be available to pay claims from eligible class members.

  Class Counsel will ask the court to approve legal fees of 25% of the $35 million fund, plus disbursements and applicable taxes.

  The settlement creates three distinct claim categories, each with its own eligibility criteria and maximum payout.

  Claim Category	Maximum Payout and Conditions
  Category A: Out-of-Pocket Costs	Up to $25,000 for documented costs fairly traceable to the breach, including credit monitoring, insurance, credit freezes, and unreimbursed losses from identity theft or falsified tax returns
  Category B: Wasted Time (Non-SIN Members)	$25 per hour for up to 5 hours ($125), plus a $75 top-up payment, for a maximum of $200 per claimant
  Category B: Wasted Time (SIN Members)	$25 per hour for up to 8 hours ($200), plus a $75 top-up payment, for a maximum of $275 per claimant
  Category C: Annual Credit Card Fees	Up to $50 for class members who paid an annual credit card fee to Capital One between July 31, 2013, and July 31, 2019

  Canadians whose Social Insurance Numbers were compromised receive a higher maximum under Category B because of the elevated identity theft risk associated with SIN exposure.

  Category A claims require documentation such as receipts, invoices, or bank statements showing expenses directly linked to the data breach.

  Class members cannot submit claims until after the court formally approves the settlement at the September 22 hearing.

  Who Qualifies for the Canadian Settlement

  You are a class member if you meet all of the following criteria.

  • You are a Canadian resident living outside the province of Quebec
  • You applied for or were issued a Capital One credit card
  • You received a letter from Capital One notifying you that your information may have been subject to unauthorized access in the data breach

  Within the class, there are three sub-categories that determine which claims you can file.

  • SIN Members are those whom Capital One notified that their Social Insurance Number was compromised, qualifying for higher Category B payouts
  • Non-SIN Members are those who received a breach notification but whose SIN was not identified as compromised
  • Annual Fee Members are those who paid an annual credit card fee to Capital One during the period from July 31, 2013, to July 31, 2019, qualifying for a Category C claim

  If you are not sure whether you fall within the class, you can contact the settlement administrator toll-free at 1-888-808-9672 for assistance.

  Critical Deadlines Every Class Member Must Know

  The proposed settlement operates on a strict timeline with deadlines that cannot be extended.

  Milestone	Date
  First publication of settlement notice	July 13, 2026
  Deadline to opt out or file objections	September 11, 2026
  Settlement approval hearing in Vancouver	September 22, 2026
  The claims period opens	After court approval (date to be announced)

  Canadians who do nothing will automatically remain in the class and be bound by the terms of the settlement if the court approves it.

  Those who wish to preserve their individual right to sue Capital One must submit the opt-out form electronically through the official settlement website before September 11, 2026.

  Anyone who opts out will not be eligible for any benefits under the settlement but retains the right to pursue independent legal action against Capital One.

  https://youtu.be/is1Ogl-bSgQ?si=YfTJpAd22TZZPXne

  Should You Stay In the Class or Opt Out

  This is a decision every affected Canadian must make before the September 11 deadline.

  If you stay in the class and the settlement is approved, you will be eligible to file claims under the categories described above and receive compensation from the $35 million fund.

  However, you will permanently give up your right to individually sue Capital One for any claims related to the data breach.

  If you opt out, you will receive nothing from this settlement, but you retain the right to file your own lawsuit against Capital One.

  There is no guarantee that an individual lawsuit would produce a larger recovery, and any independent legal action would involve additional time, expense, and uncertainty.

  Most class members who do not have unusually large documented losses will likely benefit more from remaining in the class than from pursuing individual litigation.

  Why Quebec Residents Are Excluded From This Settlement

  The class definition specifically covers Canadian residents outside the province of Quebec.

  Quebec has a separate civil law system and its own class action procedural rules under the Code of Civil Procedure.

  Data breach class actions involving Quebec residents are typically filed in the Superior Court of Quebec under that province’s distinct legal framework.

  Quebec residents who were affected by the Capital One breach should consult a licensed Quebec attorney to determine whether a separate proceeding exists or may be available in their jurisdiction.

  How To File a Claim When the Window Opens

  The claims period has not yet opened because the settlement still requires court approval.

  If the court approves the settlement at the September 22 hearing, the claims administrator will announce the process and timeline for submitting claim forms.

  When the claims window opens, class members will need to submit a claim form to the claims administrator to receive any payment from the settlement fund.

  Category A claimants should begin gathering documentation now, including receipts for credit monitoring services, records of unreimbursed fraud losses, invoices for credit freezes, and any other expenses directly traceable to the breach.

  Category B claimants will need to attest to the hours they spent responding to the data breach, such as time spent placing fraud alerts, disputing unauthorized transactions, or dealing with identity theft.

  Category C claimants who paid annual credit card fees during the eligible period should confirm they have records of those payments.

  The settlement administrator can be reached toll-free at 1-888-808-9672 or by email for any questions about eligibility or the claims process.

  The Capital One data breach exposed the personal and financial information of approximately six million Canadians, making it one of the largest financial data incidents to affect this country.

  A proposed $35 million settlement now offers eligible class members the opportunity to claim up to $25,000 in documented out-of-pocket costs, up to $275 in wasted time compensation for those whose Social Insurance Numbers were compromised, and up to $50 for annual credit card fees.

  The settlement has not yet been approved, and the court will make that decision at the September 22, 2026, hearing in Vancouver.

  Canadians who believe they are class members should visit the official settlement website at capitalone2019classaction.ca for the latest updates and to review the full settlement documents.

  Anyone unsure about their eligibility should contact the settlement administrator at 1-888-808-9672 before the September 11 opt-out deadline passes.

  Gathering documentation of breach-related expenses now will put class members in the strongest position to file their claims promptly once the window opens.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Can I file a claim right now or do I have to wait until after the September 22 court hearing?

  The claims period has not opened yet. You cannot submit a claim form until the Supreme Court of British Columbia approves the settlement at the hearing scheduled for September 22, 2026. Once approved, the claims administrator will announce the process and timeline for submitting claims. Monitor the official settlement website at capitalone2019classaction.ca for updates.

  What happens if I do nothing before the September 11 deadline?

  If you take no action before September 11, 2026, you will automatically remain a class member and be bound by the terms of the settlement if the court approves it. You will be eligible to file claims when the window opens, but you will permanently give up your right to individually sue Capital One for claims related to the breach.

  Does this Canadian settlement have any connection to the $190 million settlement in the United States?

  The two settlements are completely separate legal proceedings in different jurisdictions. The $190 million U.S. settlement was approved in 2022 and has completed all monetary distributions. This $35 million Canadian settlement is a distinct class action filed in British Columbia that covers Canadian residents outside Quebec. The two cases arise from the same data breach but operate under different legal systems with independent eligibility, timelines, and payout structures.

  How do I know whether my Social Insurance Number was compromised and whether I am a SIN Member or Non-SIN Member?

  Capital One sent separate notification letters to individuals whose Social Insurance Numbers were identified as compromised. If your letter specifically stated that your SIN was affected, you are classified as a SIN Member and eligible for up to $275 under Category B. If your notification letter did not mention your SIN, you are a Non-SIN Member eligible for up to $200 under Category B. If you no longer have your original letter, contact the settlement administrator at 1-888-808-9672 to confirm your classification.

  Can I claim under all three categories at the same time or do I have to choose one?

  The settlement allows eligible class members to submit claims under multiple categories simultaneously. If you incurred documented out-of-pocket costs, spent time responding to the breach, and paid annual credit card fees during the eligible period, you may file claims under Category A, Category B, and Category C together. Each category has its own maximum and its own eligibility requirements, so your total potential recovery depends on which categories apply to your specific situation.

  How much could eligible Canadians receive from the Capital One settlement?

  Eligible class members could claim up to $25,000 for valid, documented out-of-pocket costs fairly traceable to the breach, including certain identity-theft losses, falsified tax returns and preventive expenses such as credit monitoring or credit freezes. Separate claims may provide up to $275 for wasted time and inconvenience and up to $50 for eligible annual credit card fees. Claims are not open yet because the proposed $35-million settlement must first receive court approval.

  Fact-Checked: All settlement details, claim categories, maximum payout amounts, class definitions, deadline dates, and court hearing information in this article have been verified against the official Canadian class action settlement website at capitalone2019classaction.ca, including the Long Form Notice and Frequently Asked Questions published by the court-appointed settlement administrator Verita. The settlement was filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia with first publication of notice confirmed on July 13, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals seeking guidance on their eligibility, their decision to opt out, or the claims process should consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a licensed lawyer. Do not contact Capital One or the courts directly for settlement information.

• 
  New Canada Law To Combat Hate Crimes Effective July 18

  The Combatting Hate Act, officially known as Bill C-9, comes into force on July 18, 2026, exactly 30 days after receiving Royal Assent on June 18.

  Canada is enforcing one of the most significant expansions of its criminal justice framework in decades.

  This legislation creates entirely new criminal offences targeting hate-motivated conduct across the country.

  It also introduces escalating prison sentences, criminalizes the public display of certain symbols when used to wilfully promote hatred, and protects access to places of worship and community spaces.

  The law arrives during a year of sweeping federal legislative changes that have already reshaped bail rules, sentencing provisions, and public safety enforcement nationwide.

  For every Canadian, permanent resident, temporary resident, and newcomer, the new law changes how hate-motivated conduct is investigated, charged, and punished under the Criminal Code.

  Why Canada Introduced the Combatting Hate Act

  Police-reported hate crimes in Canada have more than doubled since 2018, rising by 169% to reach 4,882 incidents in 2024, according to Statistics Canada.

  The sharpest increases have targeted religious communities, racial and ethnic minorities, and 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians in cities across every province.

  In 2024 alone, 70% of religion-motivated hate crimes were directed at Jewish communities, while 17% targeted Muslim populations.

  Hate crimes targeting race and ethnicity rose for the sixth consecutive year in 2024, climbing another 8% over 2023 levels.

  Incidents near educational institutions were roughly eight times more likely to be hate-motivated compared to crimes in other locations during the 2022 to 2024 period.

  The alarming surge in hate targeting Indian immigrants and other visible minority groups has further underscored the urgency of stronger legal protections.

  Justice Minister Sean Fraser stated that Canadians should not feel afraid because of who they are, how they worship, or where they gather.

  Four New Criminal Offences Under Bill C-9

  The Combatting Hate Act amends the Criminal Code by creating four new criminal offences that did not previously exist as standalone charges in Canadian law.

  Until now, hate motivation was primarily treated as an aggravating factor during sentencing rather than as an element of the offence itself.

  The new framework gives police and Crown prosecutors distinct charging tools to pursue hate-motivated conduct as a primary criminal offence.

  These changes align with the broader criminal justice reforms already underway through new bail and sentencing laws that took effect on July 15, 2026.

  1. Standalone Hate Crime Offence

  The Act creates a standalone hate crime offence that applies when any federal criminal offence is motivated by hatred based on protected characteristics.

  Protected characteristics under this provision include race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression.

  This means that any existing Criminal Code offence can now be charged as a hate crime with significantly higher maximum penalties if prosecutors can prove hatred was the motivating factor.

  The law codifies the legal definition of hatred as an emotion of an intense and extreme nature that is clearly associated with vilification and detestation.

  Conduct that merely discredits, humiliates, hurts, or offends does not meet this threshold under the new statutory definition.

  2. Intimidation at Protected Places

  A new intimidation offence makes it a crime to engage in conduct intended to make someone afraid in order to prevent them from accessing protected places.

  Protected places include buildings primarily used for religious worship, schools, community centres, cemeteries, and cultural institutions used by identifiable groups.

  This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment on indictment or two years less a day on summary conviction.

  The provision was driven partly by incidents where immigrants were targeted across multiple provinces and where places of worship were vandalized or struck by gunfire.

  3. Obstruction of Access to Protected Places

  A separate obstruction offence makes it a crime to intentionally block or interfere with someone’s lawful access to the same categories of protected places.

  This includes deliberately blocking doors, driveways, roads, or entrances used to reach religious or cultural centres.

  The obstruction offence also carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment on indictment or two years less a day for less serious proceedings.

  A statutory exception protects people who are at or near protected places solely for the purpose of obtaining or communicating information.

  4. Public Display of Hate and Terrorism Symbols

  The Act creates a fifth hate propaganda offence for the wilful promotion of hatred by publicly displaying certain terrorism and hate symbols.

  Prohibited symbols include those principally used by or associated with listed terrorist entities under the Criminal Code, the Nazi Hakenkreuz, and the SS lightning bolts.

  During the Senate review, the noose was added to the list of prohibited symbols due to its documented association with anti-Black lynching.

  This offence carries a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment.

  Exceptions exist for legitimate displays related to journalism, education, or art that are not contrary to the public interest, as well as good-faith displays intended to identify hateful material for removal.

  Escalating Penalty Structure for Hate-Motivated Crimes

  One of the most consequential features of Bill C-9 is its escalating penalty structure that increases maximum sentences based on the seriousness of the underlying offence.

  The following table summarizes how penalties increase when a criminal offence is proven to be motivated by hatred under the new Criminal Code amendments.

  Underlying Offence Maximum	New Hate Crime Maximum (Indictment)	Summary Conviction
  2 to less than 5 years	Up to 5 years	2 years less a day
  5 to less than 10 years	Up to 10 years	2 years less a day
  10 to less than 14 years	Up to 14 years	2 years less a day
  14 years or more / life	Up to life imprisonment	2 years less a day

  For example, uttering threats currently carries a maximum of five years on indictment under the existing Criminal Code provisions.

  If prosecuted under the new hate crime offence, the same conduct would carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment on indictment.

  At the most severe end, offences carrying 14 years or more can now result in life imprisonment if the court finds they were motivated by hatred.

  Removal of the Good Faith Religious Opinion Defence

  Bill C-9 repeals section 319(3)(b) of the Criminal Code, which previously provided a specific defence for hate propaganda charges based on good faith religious expression.

  This defence was enacted before the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms came into force in 1982 and was considered outdated by the government.

  The government maintains that repealing this defence does not criminalize religious teaching, preaching, scripture reading, or practicing religion in good faith.

  Freedom of expression and freedom of religion remain protected under the Charter, and hate propaganda offences still require proof of wilful intent to promote hatred.

  The legislation also adds a new interpretive clause stating that nothing in the hate propaganda provisions prohibits statements made on matters of public interest, including educational, religious, political, or scientific statements during discussions, publications, or debates.

  However, faith leaders, conservative politicians, and civil liberties organizations have expressed concern that removing this defence could expose religious communities to prosecution risk.

  The Canadian Constitution Foundation has warned that the repeal eliminates a safeguard that protected sincere religious expression from criminal prosecution for decades.

  Attorney General Consent Remains Required for Hate Propaganda Charges

  The final version of Bill C-9 retains the requirement for Attorney General consent before proceedings can be initiated for wilful promotion of hatred, wilful promotion of antisemitism, or the new offence involving the public display of hate and terrorism symbols.

  The new standalone hate crime, intimidation, and obstruction offences do not contain the same Attorney General consent requirement.

  This means the consent requirement continues to apply to hate propaganda prosecutions, while police and prosecutors can use the other new offences through the regular criminal justice process.

  What the Combatting Hate Act Does Not Do

  The Act is designed with specific limitations to protect lawful expression and peaceful assembly under the Charter.

  The law does not prohibit peaceful protest near religious or community spaces as long as the protest does not involve criminal intimidation or obstruction.

  It does not criminalize statements that merely discredit, humiliate, hurt, or offend without rising to the legal threshold of wilful promotion of hatred.

  The intimidation and obstruction offences do not apply to individuals who are simply communicating information or peacefully exercising their rights near protected places.

  Religious sermons, scriptural readings, and theological teachings communicated without intent to promote hatred remain protected activities.

  This distinction is particularly important given Canada’s broader commitment to protecting Charter rights even while strengthening public safety enforcement.

  https://youtu.be/4KyoCBnMDqU?si=tUzJCD0G7q3DPmhU

  How This Law Affects Immigrants and Temporary Residents

  Criminal inadmissibility is one of the top reasons for immigration refusal in Canada, and the Combatting Hate Act significantly raises the stakes.

  A hate crime conviction under the new standalone offence could result in removal proceedings, deportation, or refusal of future immigration applications.

  Permanent residents convicted of a hate crime offence carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years or more become inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

  Temporary residents, including work permit holders, international students, and visitor visa holders, face even stricter consequences because a single criminal conviction can trigger removal.

  This law joins the broader set of immigration changes coming in July 2026 that collectively tighten the intersection between criminal law and immigration status in Canada.

  Immigration applicants may be required to provide police certificates, while criminal charges or convictions can also be considered during separate admissibility and background checks.

  Concerns and Criticism Surrounding Bill C-9

  A coalition of more than 60 Canadian rights groups criticized the legislation for its potential to create a chilling effect on peaceful assembly and free expression.

  The groups raised specific concerns about the vagueness of the prohibition on symbols that closely resemble those associated with listed terrorist entities.

  The NDP criticized the bill for failing to address white nationalist movements specifically, arguing that prevention and education are more effective than increased sentences.

  Conservative MPs and petitioners have argued that the law threatens freedom of expression and religion and could be used against passages from the Bible, Quran, Torah, and other sacred texts.

  The Canadian Constitution Foundation has questioned whether a new hate crime offence is necessary given that judges can already impose tougher sentences when hate is a motivating factor.

  Hindu and Buddhist communities have noted that the Nazi Hakenkreuz ban could be confused with the ancient Sanskrit swastika, a symbol of prosperity displayed on homes and temples worldwide.

  Despite these concerns, the government maintains that the legislation is a measured and constitutional response to historically high levels of hate crime across Canada.

  The remigration rally in Calgary and similar public demonstrations in 2025 highlighted the growing friction between anti-immigration sentiment and the Charter protections the new law seeks to reinforce.

  These debates reflect the same tensions visible in other recent Canadian policy changes where safety enforcement and individual rights must be carefully balanced.

  Bill C-9 Legislative Timeline

  Date	Milestone
  September 19, 2025	Bill C-9 introduced by Justice Minister Sean Fraser
  December 9, 2025	Justice Committee votes to repeal religious defence
  March 23, 2026	Report stage concurrence in the House of Commons
  March 25, 2026	Third reading passed by the House of Commons
  June 4, 2026	Senate passes bill 45 to 13, adds noose to banned symbols
  June 17, 2026	House of Commons approves Senate amendment in final vote
  June 18, 2026	Royal Assent granted by the Governor General
  July 18, 2026	All provisions come into force across Canada

  The legislative journey took 10 months from introduction to Royal Assent, including a lengthy Conservative filibuster at the Justice Committee stage.

  Bill C-9 is the fourth criminal justice bill introduced since fall 2025, alongside the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, the Protecting Victims Act, and the Lawful Access Act.

  Protected Characteristics Under the New Hate Crime Offence

  The standalone hate crime offence applies when any federal criminal offence is proven to be motivated by hatred based on the following characteristics as defined in the amended Criminal Code provisions.

  Protected Characteristic	Protected Characteristic
  Race	Sexual orientation
  National or ethnic origin	Gender identity or expression
  Language	Age
  Colour	Mental or physical disability
  Religion	Sex

  What Canadians and Newcomers Should Know Going Forward

  The Combatting Hate Act applies equally to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents from the moment it comes into force on July 18, 2026.

  Anyone charged with a criminal offence that prosecutors believe was motivated by hatred can face the elevated penalties under the new framework.

  The new standalone hate crime, intimidation, and obstruction offences provide additional charging tools, while Attorney General consent remains required for hate propaganda proceedings.

  Communities that have experienced rising hate incidents near places of worship, schools, and cultural centres now have specific Criminal Code protections for the first time.

  The Combatting Hate Act represents the most significant expansion of Canada’s hate crime framework in over three decades of Criminal Code development.

  It transforms hate-motivated conduct from a sentencing consideration into a primary criminal charge with its own escalating penalty structure.

  Whether these stronger legal tools will translate into measurable reductions in hate crime remains an open question that depends on enforcement, prosecutorial resources, and court capacity across every province and territory.

  The broader pattern of federal legislative reform in 2026 signals a government that is willing to use Criminal Code amendments aggressively to address public safety concerns.

  For communities targeted by hate, the law offers new protections and clearer paths to accountability that did not exist before July 18, 2026.

  For all residents of Canada, it reinforces the principle that hatred expressed through criminal conduct will be met with consequences proportional to the harm it causes.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Can displaying a swastika for religious purposes lead to criminal charges under Bill C-9?

  The offence specifically targets the Nazi Hakenkreuz and requires proof that the symbol was publicly displayed to wilfully promote hatred against an identifiable group. The mere display of an ancient Hindu, Buddhist, or Jain swastika for a genuine religious purpose is not automatically a criminal offence. Legitimate displays related to journalism, education, or art are also protected when they are not contrary to the public interest.

  Will the new hate crime law apply retroactively to incidents that occurred before July 18, 2026?

  No, Criminal law in Canada does not apply retroactively under Section 11(g) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects individuals from being punished for offences that were not criminal at the time they occurred. Only conduct that takes place on or after July 18, 2026, can be charged under the new provisions.

  How does a hate crime conviction under Bill C-9 affect a pending Express Entry application or provincial nomination?

  A conviction in Canada for an offence punishable by a maximum prison term of at least 10 years, or for which a prison sentence of more than six months is imposed, can result in serious criminal inadmissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This could lead to refusal of a pending permanent residence application. Permanent residents could face inadmissibility and removal proceedings rather than permanent residence revocation proceedings.

  Can peaceful protests near mosques, synagogues, or churches still take place legally after July 18?

  Yes, the law explicitly states that it does not prohibit peaceful protest, assembly, or the right to voice concerns in a safe and peaceful manner near protected places. The intimidation and obstruction offences target criminal behaviour such as threats, violence, or deliberately blocking access, not lawful demonstration or information sharing.

  What should someone do if they witness a hate crime at a place of worship or community centre after July 18?

  Witnesses should contact local police immediately to report the incident. Police can investigate suspected hate crimes and determine which Criminal Code provisions may apply. Attorney General consent remains required before hate propaganda proceedings can be instituted, including proceedings involving the new symbol-display offence.

  Fact-Checked: All information in this article has been verified against official Government of Canada sources, including the Department of Justice announcement dated June 19, 2026, the Combatting Hate Act backgrounder, the Charter Statement for Bill C-9, Statistics Canada hate crime data for 2024, and the Royal Assent text of Bill C-9 as of July 17, 2026.

  Disclaimer: Individuals facing criminal charges or seeking advice about the new hate crime provisions should consult a criminal defence lawyer. Those concerned about immigration consequences should also consult an RCIC or immigration lawyer.

• 
  New Alberta and BC PNP Draws Sent 1,453 Permanent Residence Invitations

  Two western Canadian provinces just opened the door for hundreds of skilled workers in 3 new PNP draws on July 15 and 16, 2026.

  Between July 14 and July 16, 2026, Alberta and British Columbia issued a combined 1,453 invitations to apply for permanent residence through their respective provincial nominee programs.

  Alberta accounted for 884 of those invitations across two draws targeting the Alberta Opportunity Stream and the Dedicated Health Care Pathway.

  British Columbia contributed the remaining 569 invitations through two Innovate category selections under the BC PNP Skills Immigration stream.

  These draws reflect the continued aggressive pace of provincial immigration selection across western Canada in July 2026.

  What Happened in the BC PNP Draw on July 16

  The BC Provincial Nominee Program conducted two Innovate category draws on July 16, 2026, issuing a total of 569 invitations to apply.

  Both draws fell under the Innovate: High Economic Impact selection category, which British Columbia introduced as part of its Care, Build, and Innovate framework earlier this year.

  The first draw selected 223 candidates based on wage and occupation criteria rather than a points threshold.

  To qualify for this wage-based selection, candidates needed a minimum hourly wage of $58 and an annual salary of at least $115,000.

  They also needed a job offer in an NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, which covers management, professional, and technical roles.

  The second draw used the standard points-based ranking and selected 346 candidates with a minimum score of 132 points.

  The 132-point cutoff is the lowest Innovate category threshold recorded in a BC PNP draw since the program restructured its priorities in April 2026.

  The wage threshold of $58 per hour also continues the downward trend from earlier 2026 draws, when it stood at $70 per hour in February.

  BC PNP Draw Summary: July 16, 2026

  Selection Type	Criteria	Minimum Score	Invitations
  Innovate: High Economic Impact (Wage)	Min. $58/hr, $115,000/yr, NOC TEER 0-3	N/A	223
  Innovate: High Economic Impact (Points)	Points-based ranking	132	346
  Total			569

  Candidates who registered in the BC PNP Skills Immigration system before July 16, 2026, were eligible for selection in this round.

  The declining wage and score thresholds suggest that BC is widening the pool of eligible candidates beyond top-tier earners.

  British Columbia received a 2026 nomination allocation of 5,254 spaces from IRCC, a 31% increase over the initial 2025 allocation of 4,000.

  This allocation supports the province’s ability to maintain frequent draws throughout the year as it works to fill persistent labour gaps.

  Alberta Issued 884 Invitations Across Two Draws

  The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program conducted two draws between July 14 and July 15, 2026, issuing a combined total of 884 invitations to apply.

  The larger of the two draws took place on July 15 under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, which issued 833 invitations at a minimum Expression of Interest score of 53.

  This 53-point cutoff is one of the lowest minimum scores recorded in an Alberta Opportunity Stream draw in 2026.

  It signals that AAIP is reaching deeper into the Expression of Interest pool to select candidates who meet Alberta’s labour market needs.

  The Alberta Opportunity Stream is a non-Express Entry pathway designed for foreign workers who are already living and working in the province on a valid work permit.

  The second draw on July 14 targeted the Dedicated Health Care Pathway under the non-Express Entry stream, issuing 51 invitations at a minimum score of 52.

  This pathway prioritizes healthcare professionals such as physicians, registered nurses, and other medical workers who have job offers from Alberta employers.

  Alberta’s healthcare-focused draws remain smaller in volume but serve a critical function in addressing the province’s medical workforce shortages.

  Alberta PNP Draw Summary: July 14-15, 2026

  Date	Stream / Pathway	Minimum Score	Invitations
  July 15, 2026	Alberta Opportunity Stream	53	833
  July 14, 2026	Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-EE)	52	51
  Total			884

  Alberta received a total nomination allocation of 6,403 for 2026 under the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, giving the province significant capacity to continue drawing throughout the year.

  The province has historically maintained one of the highest draw frequencies among all Canadian provincial nominee programs, conducting 77 draws in 2025 alone.

  Why These Draws Matter for PNP Candidates in 2026

  The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan increased PNP admission targets from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 for 2026, a 66% rebound.

  That increase has fueled aggressive draw activity across Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba throughout the first half of the year.

  For candidates who hold a provincial nomination, the pathway to permanent residence through Express Entry becomes significantly more accessible because of the 600-point CRS boost.

  Express Entry PNP draws in 2026 have issued invitations at CRS cutoffs between 730 and 805, but the base CRS required to qualify has been as low as 130 after subtracting the nomination bonus.

  The first Express Entry draw of June 2026 issued 955 invitations at a CRS cutoff of 730, the lowest PNP cutoff of the year.

  Candidates selected in these Alberta and BC draws who also have Express Entry profiles can add their nomination to the federal pool for an accelerated pathway.

  Those who apply through non-Express Entry streams will follow the standard PNP processing timeline, which stood at 13 months for non-Express Entry PNPs as of the latest IRCC update.

  What Invited Candidates Should Do Next

  Candidates who received an invitation from either province must submit a complete application within the specified deadline.

  For the BC PNP, invited candidates have 30 days from the date of their invitation to submit a full application with all supporting documents.

  For the AAIP, candidates must also submit their application within the timeline specified in their invitation letter, along with proof of employment, language test results, and educational credentials.

  Missing the application deadline results in the invitation being forfeited, and candidates would need to submit a new Expression of Interest or registration to be considered in future draws.

  Candidates who were not selected in these rounds should keep their profiles updated and ensure all information is accurate for upcoming selections.

  Both provinces have demonstrated a pattern of frequent draws in 2026, and additional rounds are expected in the weeks ahead.

  Improving language test scores, securing or maintaining valid job offers, and exploring multiple provincial pathways simultaneously remain the most effective strategies.

  Candidates with CRS scores below 500 who are struggling with Express Entry draw cutoffs should treat provincial nominations as a primary pathway rather than a backup plan.

  The proposed Express Entry reforms currently under consultation could eventually restructure the CRS model, but no changes will take effect before the next set of draws.

  Alberta and British Columbia remain two of the most active provinces for PNP draws in Canada, and these latest rounds reinforce that trend.

  The declining minimum scores in Alberta and lower wage thresholds in BC both point toward expanding access for a wider range of candidates.

  With the 2026 nomination allocation cycle well underway and both provinces still holding significant unused nomination capacity, candidates should expect continued draw activity through the rest of the summer and into the fall.

  Workers already employed in Alberta or British Columbia with valid work permits are in the strongest position to benefit from these provincial pathways.

  Keeping profiles current, monitoring draw announcements closely, and preparing application documents in advance will put candidates in the best position when the next round of invitations arrives.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Can I apply to both the Alberta PNP and BC PNP at the same time?

  Yes, there is no federal or provincial restriction preventing candidates from submitting registrations or Expressions of Interest to multiple provincial nominee programs simultaneously. However, candidates can only accept one provincial nomination at a time and must demonstrate genuine intent to live and work in the nominating province. Holding active registrations in both Alberta and BC increases the chances of receiving an invitation, especially since each province operates on its own draw schedule and selection criteria.

  What happens to my BC PNP registration if I am not invited to this draw?

  A BC PNP Skills Immigration registration remains active in the system for 12 months from the date of submission. If a candidate is not selected in the July 16 draw, their registration carries forward and is automatically considered in all future draws that match their stream and category during that 12-month window. Candidates should update their registration if their employment, wage, or personal circumstances change, as the system re-evaluates profiles based on the latest information.

  Does receiving an AAIP invitation guarantee a provincial nomination?

  No, an invitation to apply is not a guarantee of nomination. After receiving an invitation, candidates must submit a complete application with all required documents within the specified deadline. AAIP reviews each application against the full eligibility criteria for the relevant stream. Applications can be refused if the candidate does not meet the requirements, submits incomplete documentation, or fails to demonstrate genuine intent to reside in Alberta. The nomination is only confirmed after the application is fully assessed and approved.

  How long does it take to receive permanent residence after a provincial nomination?

  The total processing time depends on whether the candidate applies through an Express Entry-linked or non-Express Entry stream. For Express Entry-linked PNP applications, IRCC currently processes permanent residence applications in approximately six months from the date of submission. Non-Express Entry PNP applications take approximately 13 months based on the latest IRCC processing time data. These timelines begin after the provincial nomination is confirmed and the federal permanent residence application is submitted, not from the date of the initial invitation.

  Will the BC PNP wage threshold continue to decrease in future draws?

  The BC PNP does not pre-announce wage thresholds or minimum score requirements for future draws. The $58 per hour threshold in the July 16 draw represents a continued decline from the $70 per hour threshold seen in February 2026, but each draw is determined independently based on the composition of the registration pool, the number of invitations the province chooses to issue, and prevailing labour market conditions. Candidates should not assume the trend will continue indefinitely, as thresholds could stabilize or increase depending on demand and allocation capacity.

  Fact-Check: All draw figures, minimum scores, and invitation counts cited in this article are sourced from the official BC PNP draw results published on July 16, 2026, and the official AAIP draw results published on July 14 and July 15, 2026. The 2026 PNP admission target of 91,500 is drawn from the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Alberta’s nomination allocation of 6,403 and BC’s allocation of 5,254 are confirmed through IRCC’s provincial allocation framework. The BC PNP application fee of $1,750 is confirmed through the official BC PNP program guide. Alberta’s AAIP application fee of $1,500 for worker streams is confirmed through the official AAIP website. Last updated on July 17, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Immigration rules and program criteria are subject to change without notice. Readers should consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a licensed immigration lawyer for guidance specific to their individual circumstances.

• 
  CRA Has Over $1.8 Billion In Unclaimed Money Waiting For Canadians

  More than $1.8 billion in government cheques are sitting uncashed across Canada right now, and some of that money could have your name on it.

  The Canada Revenue Agency has confirmed that as of July 2026, there are 10,833,150 uncashed cheques on file with a combined value of $1,878,270,000.

  These are not imaginary funds or theoretical estimates. They are real payments that the CRA issued to real people for tax refunds, benefit credits, and provincial program payments that were never deposited.

  Some of these cheques date back to 1998, and the average value works out to roughly $173 per cheque.

  The CRA has been actively trying to reunite Canadians with this money since February 2020, when it launched an online lookup tool in CRA My Account.

  Since then, Canadians have cashed 5,613,430 cheques with a combined value of $2,080,970,000.

  Why $1.8 Billion in Government Cheques Remain Uncashed

  The reasons these cheques go uncashed are surprisingly ordinary.

  A person moves and forgets to update their address with the CRA, so the cheque arrives at an old home. A refund cheque gets mixed in with junk mail and ends up in the recycling bin.

  A benefit payment for a few dollars lands in a drawer and never makes it to the bank. A tax refund is issued while someone is travelling or dealing with a life event, and it simply falls through the cracks.

  Some cheques belong to people who have passed away, and the estate was never notified that a payment existed.

  Others were issued to individuals who moved provinces and lost track of their CRA benefit payments in the process.

  The CRA issues millions of payments every year for tax refunds, GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefit deposits, provincial benefit programs, and other credit payments. When those payments are sent by cheque rather than direct deposit, there is always a risk that the cheque will go uncashed.

  The problem has grown steadily over the years. In August 2022, the CRA reported that as of May 2022, approximately 8.9 million uncashed cheques worth about $1.4 billion were sitting in its records.

  As of July 2026, the total stands at $1,878,270,000 across more than 10.8 million uncashed cheques.

  How the Uncashed Cheque Total Has Grown

  The following table shows how the CRA’s outstanding uncashed cheque balance has expanded over the past four years, even as millions of cheques have been successfully claimed through the CRA’s online tools.

  Date	Uncashed Cheques	Total Value
  May 2022	~8.9 million	~$1.4 billion
  July 2026	10,833,150	$1,878,270,000

  Despite nearly $2 billion in cheques being claimed since the tool launched in February 2020, the total outstanding balance has continued to climb because the CRA adds thousands of new uncashed cheques to its records each week as new payments are issued and go undeposited.

  This is one reason the CRA continues to encourage Canadians to switch to direct deposit for all government payments.

  What Types of Payments Are Sitting Uncashed

  The $1.8 billion includes cheques from a wide range of CRA programs. These are not limited to income tax refunds.

  The CRA’s official uncashed cheques page lists more than 40 different payment types that can appear as uncashed items in a taxpayer’s account.

  Among the most common are T1 income tax refunds, T1 reassessment refunds, GST/HST credit payments, Canada Child Benefit deposits, Ontario Trillium Benefit payments, Universal Child Care Benefit cheques from prior years, Canada Workers Benefit payments, and various provincial child benefit and climate action credit payments.

  Provincial payments administered by the CRA are also included. These range from the Alberta Child Benefit and Saskatchewan Low Income Tax Credit to the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit, and multiple territorial child benefit programs.

  Business cheques, including corporate tax refunds, GST/HST remittance credits, and payroll overpayment refunds, are also part of the total but cannot be looked up through the online portal and require a phone call to the CRA business enquiries line.

  Common Uncashed Payment Types and Their CRA Codes

  The CRA uses specific abbreviation codes on cheques and statements to identify the type of payment issued. Knowing these codes can help you identify an old cheque or verify what a payment was for when checking your account.

  Payment Type	Abbreviation Code
  T1 Income Tax Refund	T1
  T1 Reassessment Refund	T1 RAP-Remboursement
  GST/HST Credit	GST/HSTC-CTPS/TVH
  Canada Child Benefit	CCB-ACE
  Canada Workers Benefit	CWB-ACT
  Ontario Trillium Benefit	OTB-PTO
  Ontario Child Benefit	OCB-POE
  Alberta Child Benefit	ACB-PEA
  Saskatchewan Low Income Tax Credit	SLITC-CTFRS
  Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit	NSALTC-CTNEVA
  BC Low Income Climate Action Tax Credit	BCLICATC-CTMCRFFRCB

  A full list of more than 40 payment types and their abbreviations is available on the official CRA uncashed cheques page.

  If you find an old government cheque in a drawer and the payment type is unclear, these codes can help you determine what it was for before requesting a replacement.

  How to Check If You Have Uncashed Cheques

  The fastest way to check is through CRA My Account, the CRA’s secure online portal for individuals. Once you sign in, look for the “Uncashed cheques” link on the Overview page or under the Accounts and Payments section.

  The online tool shows personal cheques that are at least six months old, including tax refunds, benefit payments, and credit deposits. It does not show business cheques, trust cheques, or cheques less than six months old.

  You can sign in to CRA My Account using your CRA user ID, a Sign-In Partner through your bank’s online banking credentials, or a provincial digital ID such as Alberta.ca Account or the BC Services Card.

  Starting in February 2026, CRA account users without a backup multi-factor authentication option are prompted to add one, although they can choose to set it up later, as announced alongside the 2026 tax season opening.

  If you do not have a My Account, you can register online using your Social Insurance Number, date of birth, and information from a recent tax return.

  Given that the CRA has updated its processing systems for 2026, creating an account now also gives you faster access to tax return status tracking and benefit payment details.

  For cheques that are not visible online, including business tax refunds, GST/HST remittances, payroll overpayments, or trust cheques, you must call the CRA directly.

  The number for personal income tax refunds and trust cheques is 1-800-959-8281.

  For credit and benefit payments, including GST/HST credit and CCB payments, call 1-800-387-1193. For business-related cheques, call 1-800-959-5525.

  How to Claim Your Uncashed Cheque

  Once you confirm that you have an uncashed cheque, the process to claim it involves downloading a personalized form, completing it, and sending it back to the CRA.

  The form you need is called Form PWGSC 535, Undertaking and Indemnity. This is not a generic form you can download from the CRA website.

  It is a personalized document that contains payment-specific details, which is why you must access it through My Account or request it by phone.

  After downloading the pre-filled form from your CRA My Account, print it, fill in the remaining fields, and sign it by hand. The CRA does not accept electronic, digital, or stamped signatures on this form.

  Then submit the completed form online through the “Submit documents” feature in My Account or Represent a Client, or mail it to the Sudbury Tax Centre at Post Office Box 20000, Station A, Sudbury, ON P3A 5C2.

  If you are registered for direct deposit, the replacement payment will go directly into your bank account, which is the fastest option.

  If you are not registered, a new cheque will be mailed to your address on file. The CRA strongly recommends setting up direct deposit before submitting the form to avoid delays.

  Be aware that if you owe money to the CRA, part or all of the replacement payment may be applied to your outstanding balance before any remaining amount is issued to you.

  The CRA’s debt offset rules apply automatically to replacement cheque requests just as they do to regular refunds.

  https://youtu.be/DRoxilhnG4U?si=vU4pjcTiUPwDgsvS

  Special Situations: Deceased Persons, Closed Businesses, and Damaged Cheques

  If the uncashed cheque belongs to someone who has passed away, the person managing the deceased’s tax affairs can look up the cheque through Represent a Client or by calling the Revenue Agency.

  The replacement payment is deposited into the estate account.

  If an uncashed cheque was issued to a business or estate that has since been closed, you need to call the CRA to request reissuance to a new recipient. The online tool does not handle these situations.

  If you physically have an old or damaged government cheque that a bank will not accept, you can mail it directly to the Imaging and Receiver General Operations Directorate at PO Box 2000, Matane, QC G4W 4N5 and request a reissue with a current date.

  Government of Canada cheques never expire. There is no deadline to cash them, regardless of how old they are.

  However, the Revenue Agency cannot void and reissue an uncashed cheque unless you specifically request it through the Form PWGSC 535 process.

  Unlike private-sector cheques that typically become stale-dated after six months, a government cheque issued in 1998 is still valid today.

  You can bring it to any financial institution in Canada and cash it at no charge, as confirmed on the CRA’s official uncashed cheques page.

  However, if the cheque has been lost, damaged, or stolen, you cannot simply request a new one over the phone.

  The formal PWGSC 535 process exists because the Agency needs your signed authorization before it can void the original payment and issue a replacement.

  This protects both you and the federal treasury from fraud. The review process for replacement cheques follows a structured verification timeline.

  If you have a stolen cheque, you should call the CRA immediately. If the stolen cheque was already cashed by someone else, the Agency will send you a form to begin a formal investigation.

  For recurring benefit payments like the Canada Child Benefit or GST/HST credit, wait at least 10 business days after the cheque was issued before reporting it stolen, or 5 business days for CCB cheques.

  July 2026 Context: Why Checking Now Is Especially Important

  July 2026 is a uniquely important month for CRA-administered payments. Multiple benefit programs are resetting to higher indexed amounts, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is launching with payments 25% higher than the old GST/HST credit, and the Advanced Canada Workers Benefit is opening a new payment cycle.

  If you have uncashed cheques from prior years sitting in the Agency’s system, submitting a replacement request now allows the CRA to begin processing the payment.

  Processing times for uncashed cheque requests can be lengthy, so the sooner you submit Form PWGSC 535, the sooner the CRA can work on getting that money back to you alongside your regular benefit payments.

  Additionally, the CRA now uses your most recently filed tax return to calculate benefit payments for the upcoming year.

  Filing your 2025 tax return on time and verifying your My Account ensures that both your ongoing benefit payments and any uncashed cheques from previous years are processed correctly. T

  The CRA benefit payment schedule for Ontario residents and other provinces depends entirely on having current and accurate account information on file.

  The $1.8 billion sitting in the CRA’s uncashed cheque records is not a government program, a bonus, or a promotional offer.

  It is money that was already calculated, approved, and issued to individual Canadians and businesses that simply never deposited the payments.

  Checking whether you have an uncashed cheque takes less than two minutes through My Account and costs nothing.

  For Canadians already navigating rising housing costs, grocery bills, and benefit payment schedules, an unexpected $173 deposit from a forgotten tax refund or GST credit cheque can make a real difference.

  The process is straightforward. Sign in to “My Account,” check for uncashed cheques, download the personalized form if one exists, sign and submit it, and wait for the Agency to reissue the payment by direct deposit or mail.

  If you have not checked your account recently, now is the time. The money is yours, the cheque never expires, and the CRA is waiting for you to claim it.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Do government cheques from the CRA expire?

  No, Government of Canada cheques never expire and can be cashed at any Canadian financial institution at no charge, regardless of when they were issued. Some uncashed cheques in the CRA’s records date back to 1998, and they remain fully valid.

  How much is the average uncashed CRA cheque worth?

  The average value is approximately $173 per cheque based on the July 2026 total of $1,878,270,000 across 10,833,150 uncashed cheques. Even small amounts add up, especially for families already receiving CRA benefit payments throughout the year.

  Can I check for uncashed cheques on behalf of someone else?

  Yes, if you are an authorized representative, you can check for uncashed cheques through the CRA’s Represent a Client portal. This includes managing the account of a deceased person if you have been granted access as a legal representative.

  What happens if the CRA owes me money but I also owe the CRA?

  If you request a replacement cheque and you have an outstanding balance with the CRA, the agency will apply part or all of the payment to your debt first. Any remaining amount will be issued to you. This offset applies automatically and is the same process used for regular tax refunds and benefit overpayment recovery.

  Is the CRA’s uncashed cheque lookup tool a scam?

  No, the uncashed cheques tool is a legitimate feature within My Account, the same secure portal used for tax filing, benefit tracking, and direct deposit management. The Revenue Agency will never ask you to pay a fee to claim your own money. If you receive an unsolicited email, text, or phone call asking for payment to release an uncashed cheque, it is a scam and should be reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

  Fact-Check: The uncashed-cheque figures in this article are sourced from the official Canada Revenue Agency uncashed cheques page, last updated July 9, 2026, and the CRA’s August 2022 public statement on uncashed cheques. The $1.8 billion figure represents the value as of July 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Contact the CRA or consult a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

• 
  New Canada LMIA Wage Thresholds Increase Effective July 17

  Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has published updated hourly wage thresholds that will determine whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment application falls under the high-wage or low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

  The new thresholds take effect on July 17, 2026, and apply to high-wage and low-wage LMIA applications received from this date forward.

  Every province and territory except the Northwest Territories saw its wage threshold increase, with changes ranging from $0.92 per hour in Ontario to $3.00 per hour in Nunavut.

  For employers, these updated figures directly affect which LMIA stream they must apply under and what program requirements they need to satisfy.

  For foreign workers, a higher threshold means some positions that previously qualified as high-wage may now fall into the low-wage category, triggering additional restrictions, including the CMA unemployment rate measure.

  Here is a complete breakdown of the new wage thresholds by province and territory, how they are calculated, and what the changes mean for both LMIA streams.

  How LMIA Wage Thresholds Are Calculated

  The hourly wage threshold for each province and territory is set at the applicable provincial or territorial median hourly wage plus 20%.

  ESDC derives the median hourly wage from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey.

  The 20% markup above the median is a deliberate policy design that creates a buffer zone to distinguish genuinely higher-paying positions from entry-level and lower-paying roles.

  This threshold acts as the single reference point that determines whether an employer must apply under the high-wage stream or the low-wage stream when filing an LMIA application.

  If the offered wage is at or above the threshold, the application must go through the high-wage stream.

  If the offered wage falls below the threshold, the application must go through the low-wage stream.

  The thresholds are updated periodically as new Labour Force Survey data becomes available, and the July 17, 2026, update replaces the figures that had been in effect since June 27, 2025.

  Employers should note that the threshold is not the same as the prevailing wage for a specific occupation, which is determined separately based on the median wage for that particular job classification at the applicable work location.

  The threshold simply determines which program stream governs the LMIA application, while the prevailing wage determines the minimum the employer must offer for the specific role.

  Complete Wage Threshold Table For July 17, 2026

  The table below shows the updated hourly wage thresholds that apply to high-wage and low-wage LMIA applications received as of July 17, 2026.

  Province / Territory	New Threshold (Jul 17, 2026)	Previous Threshold	Change
  Alberta	$37.50	$36.00	+$1.50
  British Columbia	$38.40	$36.60	+$1.80
  Manitoba	$31.33	$30.16	+$1.17
  New Brunswick	$31.73	$30.00	+$1.73
  Newfoundland and Labrador	$33.60	$32.40	+$1.20
  Northwest Territories	$48.00	$48.00	—
  Nova Scotia	$31.96	$30.00	+$1.96
  Nunavut	$45.00	$42.00	+$3.00
  Ontario	$36.92	$36.00	+$0.92
  Prince Edward Island	$31.20	$30.00	+$1.20
  Quebec	$36.00	$34.62	+$1.38
  Saskatchewan	$34.62	$33.60	+$1.02
  Yukon	$45.60	$44.40	+$1.20

  Biggest Increases By Province And Territory

  Nunavut recorded the largest dollar increase at $3.00 per hour, pushing the threshold from $42.00 to $45.00.

  Nova Scotia saw the second-largest increase at $1.96, bringing its threshold from $30.00 to $31.96.

  British Columbia’s threshold rose by $1.80 to $38.40, giving it the highest threshold among all provinces.

  New Brunswick increased by $1.73 to $31.73, while Alberta rose by $1.50 to $37.50.

  Ontario recorded the smallest increase among provinces at just $0.92, moving from $36.00 to $36.92.

  The Northwest Territories is the only jurisdiction where the threshold remains unchanged at $48.00.

  The Northwest Territories has the highest threshold nationally at $48.00, followed by Yukon at $45.60 and Nunavut at $45.00.

  Among the provinces, British Columbia’s $38.40 is the highest, followed by Alberta at $37.50 and Ontario at $36.92.

  Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia remain the four provinces with the lowest thresholds, all clustered in the $31.20 to $31.96 range.

  https://youtu.be/3iIBAd0cOac?si=3qV3e_AkmIX0uw-R

  What The Threshold Determines For Employers

  The wage threshold is the dividing line between two distinct LMIA program streams, each with its own set of requirements, restrictions, and compliance obligations.

  Employers offering a wage at or above the threshold must apply under the high-wage stream, which generally requires a transition plan, although specified positions and application categories are exempt.

  Employers offering a wage below the threshold must apply under the low-wage stream, which carries additional requirements, including a cap on the proportion of temporary foreign workers in the workforce and the CMA unemployment rate restriction.

  ESDC explicitly warns that artificially adjusting the offered wage to fit a preferred stream or to avoid a specific program requirement could result in a negative LMIA decision.

  The offered wage must be consistent with the prevailing wage rate for the occupation at the work location, meaning it should reflect what Canadian citizens and permanent residents with similar skills and experience are being paid for the same job.

  How This Affects The Low-Wage LMIA Stream

  The higher thresholds mean that more positions will now fall under the low-wage stream than before, because wages that previously sat at or above the old threshold may now fall below the new one.

  This is significant because the low-wage stream carries several additional restrictions that do not apply to high-wage applications, including the CMA unemployment rate measure.

  Most low-wage applications in a CMA with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher will not be processed unless the position qualifies for an exemption.

  Employers in provinces where the threshold increased substantially, such as Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Nunavut, should review all current and planned job offers to determine whether any positions that were previously classified as high-wage now fall below the updated line.

  The low-wage stream also requires employers to advertise positions for 8 consecutive weeks before filing an LMIA, up from the 4-week requirement that was in place before April 1, 2026.

  Employers must also demonstrate adequate efforts to target youth in their recruitment and are subject to a cap on the proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers in their total workforce.

  26 Canada’s 41 tracked CMAs currently have unemployment rates of 6% or higher, meaning most low-wage LMIA applications in those regions will not be processed unless the position qualifies for an exemption.

  How This Affects The High-Wage LMIA Stream

  Employers filing under the high-wage stream are not subject to the CMA unemployment rate restriction, workforce proportion caps, or the 8-week advertising requirement that applies to low-wage applications.

  The high-wage stream generally requires employers to submit a transition plan, although specified occupations and application categories are exempt.

  The transition plan must include specific, measurable commitments such as increasing wages for domestic workers, investing in training programs, or targeting recruitment toward underrepresented groups in the Canadian labour force.

  The minimum advertising requirement for high-wage positions remains 4 consecutive weeks within the 3 months before the LMIA submission date.

  High-wage LMIA applications also carry the standard $1,000 processing fee per position, which cannot be recovered from the temporary foreign worker under any circumstances.

  What Foreign Workers Should Know

  Foreign workers awaiting employer-supported work permits should understand how higher wage thresholds can affect their job prospects and application timelines.

  A position that was classified as high-wage under the previous threshold may now fall into the low-wage category if the offered wage sits between the old and new figures.

  If the position shifts to the low-wage stream, it becomes subject to additional restrictions, including the CMA unemployment rate measure.

  Most applications in a restricted CMA will not be processed unless the position falls under an eligible exemption.

  Workers should ask their prospective employer to confirm which LMIA stream the position falls under based on the updated thresholds before making relocation or employment decisions.

  Workers already holding a valid work permit are not directly affected by the threshold change.

  The new thresholds apply only to LMIA applications received on or after July 17, 2026, not to existing permits or applications already submitted under the previous figures.

  Workers exploring LMIA-exempt pathways under the International Mobility Program are not affected by these wage threshold changes, since IMP work permits do not require an LMIA.

  What Employers Must Do Now

  Employers preparing to submit LMIA applications on or after July 17, 2026, should take the following steps immediately.

  Review every current and planned job offer against the updated wage threshold for the applicable province or territory to confirm which LMIA stream the position falls under.

  If a position that was previously high-wage now falls below the new threshold, the employer must meet all low-wage stream requirements, including the 8-week advertising rule, the youth recruitment obligation, the workforce proportion cap, and the CMA unemployment rate restriction.

  Check the CMA unemployment rate for any work location that falls into the low-wage stream, because most applications in CMAs with a rate of 6% or higher will not be processed unless the position qualifies for an exemption.

  Exemptions apply to specified positions in primary agriculture, construction, food manufacturing, hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, caregiving, permanent-residence-only applications, and certain short-duration or highly mobile occupations.

  Ensure the offered wage is consistent with the prevailing wage rate for the occupation and work location, because artificially inflating wages solely to qualify under the high-wage stream can result in a negative LMIA decision.

  Employers with LMIA applications already submitted before July 17, 2026, are assessed under the previous thresholds that were in effect at the time of submission.

  The July 17, 2026, wage threshold update affects employers submitting applications through the standard high-wage and low-wage LMIA streams.

  With 12 of 13 provinces and territories seeing increases, the dividing line between high-wage and low-wage LMIA streams has shifted meaningfully in most jurisdictions.

  The practical effect is that more positions may now fall into the low-wage stream, subjecting them to the full range of additional restrictions that the federal government has been tightening steadily since September 2024.

  Employers should plan their hiring strategies around these updated figures and monitor the ESDC program page for any further changes, as thresholds are updated periodically when new Labour Force Survey data becomes available.

  Workers and immigration professionals should factor the new thresholds into their assessment of job offers and LMIA feasibility, particularly in provinces where the increase is large enough to shift borderline positions from one stream to the other.

  For workers considering LMIA jobs in Canada, the updated thresholds may create new opportunities in regions where employers are now required to offer higher wages to qualify under the high-wage stream, but they also narrow access in regions where the low-wage stream is restricted by elevated CMA unemployment rates.

  The combination of higher wage thresholds, expanded advertising obligations, youth recruitment requirements, and CMA unemployment rate restrictions collectively represents the most comprehensive set of TFWP controls currently in effect.

  Employers and workers navigating this landscape should consult a licensed immigration professional to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements before submitting any LMIA application under the updated thresholds.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  If my employer submitted an LMIA application before July 17 but ESDC has not yet made a decision, which threshold applies?

  The threshold in effect at the time the LMIA application was received by ESDC determines which stream applies. If your employer submitted the application before July 17, 2026, the previous thresholds remain in effect for that application regardless of when the decision is made. ESDC does not retroactively apply updated thresholds to applications already in the queue.

  Can an employer offer a wage that is exactly at the threshold to qualify for the high-wage stream?

  Yes, ESDC confirms that if the offered wage is at or above the provincial or territorial hourly wage threshold, the application must be submitted under the stream for high-wage positions. A wage that exactly matches the threshold qualifies as high-wage. However, the wage must still be consistent with the prevailing rate for the occupation and location, so offering precisely the threshold amount could face scrutiny if it is not reflective of what similarly employed Canadians are being paid.

  Does the wage threshold apply to overtime pay, tips, or bonuses?

  No, the comparison between the offered wage and the threshold is based on the hourly wage rate stated on the LMIA application. Overtime premiums, gratuities, commissions, bonuses, and other variable compensation are not factored into the threshold comparison. The base hourly wage alone determines which stream applies.

  Are there any occupations or sectors that are exempt from the wage threshold classification?

  The Primary Agriculture stream and Global Talent Stream operate outside the standard high-wage and low-wage application streams. In-home caregiver applications have a separate application pathway, but several requirements still depend on whether the position is classified as high-wage or low-wage, including the minimum advertising period.

  Will the wage thresholds change again before the end of 2026?

  ESDC identifies this as an annual hourly wage threshold update. The next revision would ordinarily be expected in twenty twenty-seven, although employers should always verify the official table before submitting an LMIA.

  Fact-Checked: All wage thresholds and program details in this article are sourced directly from the official ESDC hourly wage threshold and program requirement pages, last verified on July 16, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or licensed immigration lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.

• 
  New Scotiabank Settlement Of $10.5 Million To Pay 148,000 Customers

  A major class action settlement involving one of Canada’s largest banks is now putting real money back into the hands of thousands of everyday customers.

  Scotiabank has agreed to pay $10.45 million to resolve a lawsuit that accused the bank of charging unfair non-sufficient funds fees on certain accounts.

  The case centred on a practice that many Canadian banking customers may not have even noticed was happening to their accounts over a span of nearly four years.

  An estimated 148,000 Scotiabank customers across the country are affected by this settlement and may soon see a deposit appear in their accounts.

  The resolution comes at a time when Canadian banks are facing unprecedented scrutiny over the fees they charge their most financially vulnerable customers.

  What the Scotiabank NSF Settlement Is About

  The lawsuit, formally titled Canaan Alexander v. The Bank of Nova Scotia, targeted a specific fee practice involving pre-authorized debit transactions between June 21, 2020, and April 30, 2024.

  Scotiabank charged a $48 non-sufficient funds fee whenever a customer’s account did not have enough money to cover a pre-authorized debit payment.

  The problem arose when the same merchant re-presented the identical pre-authorized debit within two to thirty days of the original failed transaction.

  Scotiabank then charged a second $48 NSF fee for what was essentially the same payment attempt from the same company for the same dollar amount.

  The class action argued that this second charge was duplicative because customers had no control over whether a merchant would re-submit the same payment.

  Many customers were unaware that a single missed payment on a subscription, gym membership, or insurance premium could trigger $96 in combined bank fees within a matter of weeks.

  Koskie Minsky LLP, a Toronto-based law firm, was appointed as class counsel and led negotiations on behalf of the affected customers across Canada.

  How the Class Action Unfolded

  The proposed settlement agreement was reached on January 21, 2026, following lengthy negotiations between the parties and with the assistance of a mediator.

  The Ontario Superior Court of Justice had previously certified the case as a class action on April 8, 2024, giving the lawsuit formal legal standing.

  Justice Akbarali was assigned to case-manage the action and oversaw the settlement approval process from certification through to the final hearing.

  The court held the settlement approval hearing on June 12, 2026, and the settlement has since been approved, joining similar resolved cases against TD Bank and RBC.

  Scotiabank has not admitted any wrongdoing or liability and continues to deny the allegations raised in the class action lawsuit.

  How To Claim Your Scotiabank Settlement Payment

  Eligible customers do not need to submit a claim, fill out any forms, or take any further action to receive their share of the settlement.

  Scotiabank will automatically deposit an average payment of approximately $42.82 into the accounts of eligible class members.

  The average payment of approximately $42.82 reflects the court-approved pro rata distribution of the net settlement fund.

  Eligible customers will receive the payment automatically once the approved distribution is processed, alongside their regular banking transactions.

  There is no deadline for customers to meet and no registration portal to visit because Scotiabank is handling the entire distribution process internally.

  Who Qualifies for the Payment

  Not every Scotiabank customer will receive a deposit, as the settlement covers only those who meet all four of the following eligibility criteria.

  First, the customer must currently hold an open Scotiabank personal deposit account that is capable of receiving the settlement payment.

  Second, the customer must have been charged a $48 NSF fee between June 21, 2020, and April 30, 2024, on a pre-authorized debit transaction.

  Third, the same merchant must have re-presented the same pre-authorized debit within two to thirty days, triggering a second $48 NSF fee.

  Fourth, the customer must not have already been reimbursed by Scotiabank for the relevant duplicative fee at any point before the settlement.

  Scotiabank will use its own internal records to identify all qualifying customers, so there is no need to contact the bank or gather documentation.

  How Canadian Bank NSF Settlements Compare

  Scotiabank is not the only major Canadian bank to face a class action over duplicative NSF fees in recent years.

  Koskie Minsky LLP has pursued similar lawsuits against all of Canada’s Big Five banks, and four have now reached settlement agreements.

  The following table compares the key details of each resolved or proposed settlement as of July 2026.

  Bank	Settlement	Period	Per Customer	Status
  TD Bank	$15.9 million	Feb 2019 – Nov 2023	~$88	Approved
  Scotiabank	$10.45 million	Jun 2020 – Apr 2024	~$42.82	Approved
  RBC	$7.05 million	Aug 2020 – Aug 2022	Pro rata (TBD)	Approved
  CIBC	$10 million	Sep 2020 – May 2024	TBD	Pending (Oct 19)
  BMO	TBD	TBD	TBD	Ongoing

  TD Bank paid the largest total settlement at $15.9 million and offered the highest per-customer amount at approximately $88 per eligible account holder.

  CIBC announced its own $10 million proposed settlement on June 24, 2026, with a court approval hearing scheduled for October 19, 2026.

  The Bank of Montreal is the only remaining Big Five bank with an unresolved class action over duplicative NSF fees still working through the courts.

  What Changed in Canadian Banking After These Lawsuits

  The wave of NSF fee class actions helped accelerate a major federal policy change that took effect on March 12, 2026, through new regulations announced by the federal government.

  Federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne introduced a hard cap limiting NSF fees to a maximum of $10 per occurrence for personal deposit accounts.

  Before the cap, Canada’s major banks charged between $45 and $48 per NSF transaction, meaning even a small account shortfall could trigger a significant penalty.

  The new rules also prohibit banks from charging more than one NSF fee within a two-business-day period on the same personal deposit account.

  Banks cannot charge any NSF fee at all when the overdraft amount on a personal account is less than $10, as confirmed by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.

  The federal government estimates these combined protections will save Canadian consumers more than $600 million annually in reduced banking fees.

  Roughly 34% of Canadians pay at least one NSF fee in any given year, representing approximately 15.8 million NSF transactions recorded in 2023 alone.

  The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada is now responsible for overseeing bank compliance with the new NSF fee requirements and investigating consumer complaints.

  What This Means for Scotiabank Customers Going Forward

  Customers who believe they were charged a duplicative NSF fee after April 30, 2024, are not covered by this settlement but may benefit from the new $10 cap now in effect.

  Anyone who believes their bank charged an NSF fee above $10 after March 12, 2026, should first use the bank’s formal complaint process. 

  Consumers can also report potential regulatory violations to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.

  Setting up balance alerts through Scotiabank’s mobile app or online banking is one of the most effective ways to avoid NSF charges entirely going forward.

  Customers can also consider linking a savings account or arranging overdraft protection to cover small shortfalls before they trigger any banking fees.

  For those expecting CRA benefit payments or other government deposits, ensuring your direct deposit details are current helps prevent missed payments that could lead to insufficient funds.

  The broader picture is that Canadian consumer protection in banking has shifted dramatically in the past two years, and customers now have significantly more legal safeguards than before.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Will the Scotiabank settlement payment count as taxable income on my Canadian tax return?

  Because this payment represents compensation connected to previously charged banking fees, it may generally be treated differently from ordinary employment or investment income. However, individual tax treatment can vary, so customers with concerns should consult a tax professional.

  Can former Scotiabank customers who closed their accounts still receive the settlement payment?

  The settlement specifies that recipients must currently hold an open Scotiabank personal deposit account capable of receiving the payment. Customers who closed their accounts before the distribution date are not eligible for the automatic deposit under the terms of this particular settlement. This differs from the TD Bank settlement, which included both current and former account holders in its class definition. Former Scotiabank customers who were charged duplicative NSF fees during the eligibility period may wish to contact Koskie Minsky LLP directly at scotiabankclassaction@kmlaw.ca for guidance on their specific situation.

  What happens to the portion of the $10.45 million settlement that does not go directly to customers?

  Class action settlements in Canada typically allocate portions of the total amount toward court-approved legal fees for class counsel, administration expenses, disbursements, applicable taxes, and a small honorarium for the lead plaintiff. The exact breakdown is determined by the court during the settlement approval process. The approximately $42.82 per-customer figure already accounts for these deductions, representing the net amount distributed after all approved costs have been subtracted from the gross settlement fund.

  Could Scotiabank customers who opted out of the class action still file an individual lawsuit over duplicative NSF fees?

  Class members who formally opted out of the settlement before the court-imposed deadline preserved their right to pursue independent legal action against Scotiabank. Opting out means they are not bound by the settlement terms and will not receive the automatic $42.82 payment, but they retain the ability to file their own claim. Pursuing an individual lawsuit would require hiring a lawyer, covering legal costs independently, and proving damages on a case-by-case basis. Given the new $10 NSF fee cap and the relatively small per-customer amount at stake, most legal professionals would advise that a class settlement offers better practical value for the typical affected consumer.

  Are credit union customers in Canada also protected from duplicative NSF fees under the new federal rules?

  The $10 NSF fee cap applies to all federally regulated financial institutions, which includes Schedule I, II, and III banks as well as federal credit unions. However, many credit unions across provinces like British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario are provincially regulated rather than federally regulated, and they are not automatically subject to the federal cap. Some provincial credit unions have voluntarily adopted the $10 limit, but customers should confirm their credit union’s regulatory status directly. The caps apply only to personal and joint accounts, meaning business and corporate accounts at any institution remain outside the scope of these protections.

  Fact-Checked: Settlement amount of $10.45 million, eligibility period of June 21, 2020 to April 30, 2024, and court hearing date of June 12, 2026 verified against the official Koskie Minsky LLP case page (kmlaw.ca) and the Yahoo Finance press release dated March 3, 2026. NSF fee cap of $10 and effective date of March 12, 2026 verified against the Department of Finance Canada and FCAC announcements on canada.ca.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Scotiabank has not admitted liability. For advice about your eligibility, tax treatment or legal rights, consult a qualified lawyer, accountant or tax professional.

• 
  Canada Pauses Parents And Grandparents Sponsorship 2026 Intake

  The federal government confirmed on July 15, 2026, that it will not accept any new applications under the Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship program for the remainder of 2026.

  Thousands of Canadian citizens and permanent residents just lost their shot at bringing parents and grandparents to Canada this year.

  This pause affects every prospective sponsor who hoped to file a new interest to sponsor form or receive a fresh invitation to apply this year.

  The announcement lands on top of an already massive backlog of 60,500 applications still sitting in the processing pipeline.

  Families across the country now face a difficult question about when, or whether, the permanent residence pathway for older relatives will reopen.

  What IRCC Announced On July 15

  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada published a formal web notice confirming the PGP intake pause on July 15, 2026.

  The department stated that it is taking these steps to maintain a well-managed and sustainable immigration system.

  IRCC confirmed it will continue processing existing applications and plans to approve up to 15,000 people for permanent residence through the PGP in 2026.

  That 15,000 figure aligns with the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets for parent and grandparent admissions.

  The department will not receive new interest to sponsor forms or invite potential sponsors to apply until further notice from the government.

  Humanitarian and compassionate requests tied to applications that fall outside these processing rules will also not be considered.

  Why IRCC Paused The Program

  The PGP program has been under intense pressure for years due to demand that far exceeds the available spaces under the levels plan.

  When the program launched its interest to sponsor form in 2020, more than 200,000 permanent residents and citizens submitted their names to the pool.

  Over 100,000 people from that original pool remain waiting for an invitation that may never arrive under the current structure.

  There are currently 60,500 applications in progress across the country, representing a significant processing burden for IRCC officers.

  Processing times outside Quebec currently sit at approximately 33 months for parent and grandparent sponsorship cases.

  Quebec applicants face an even longer wait, with processing times stretching to approximately 66 months due to the province’s separate immigration approval system.

  IRCC said the pause will help reduce those wait times and improve predictability for families already in the queue.

  Current PGP Processing Times At A Glance

  Category	Estimated Wait
  PGP outside Quebec	Approximately 33 months
  PGP inside Quebec	Approximately 66 months
  Applications in progress	60,500 nationwide
  2026 PR admission target	15,000 through PGP

  How PGP Admission Targets Changed Over Recent Years

  The reduction in parent and grandparent admissions did not happen overnight.

  Canada’s immigration levels plan has been gradually shifting its allocation priorities toward economic immigration streams.

  Family class admissions remain at roughly 21% to 22% of total permanent resident intake, but the PGP share within that family allocation has dropped sharply.

  Year	PGP Target	Total Family Class
  2024	32,000	114,000
  2025	24,500	88,000
  2026	15,000	84,000
  2027	15,000	81,000
  2028	15,000	81,000

  The PGP target dropped from 32,000 in 2024 to just 15,000 in 2026, representing a cut of more than 50% in just two years.

  That 15,000 target will remain unchanged through 2027 and 2028 based on current federal planning documents.

  Total family class admissions also declined from 114,000 in 2024 to 84,000 in 2026, reflecting a broader government pivot toward economic streams.

  What Happens To Applications Already Submitted

  IRCC will continue processing PGP applications that were submitted during the 2025 intake, up to a maximum of 10,000 complete applications.

  Those applications must come from individuals who received an invitation to apply from the 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool.

  IRCC sent 17,860 invitations over approximately two weeks beginning July 28, 2025, with the last day to apply being October 9, 2025.

  Sponsors must ensure their application information matches the details from their original 2020 submission or provide an explanation for any differences.

  All applications must be submitted online unless the applicant has a documented disability or another approved reason preventing electronic filing.

  Applicants must include all required forms and documents and file within the 60-day deadline stated in their invitation letter.

  This Is Not The First Time Canada Paused PGP

  The 2026 freeze marks the third consecutive year the government has declined to open a new PGP intake round.

  IRCC did not accept new applications in 2025 either, choosing instead to process the backlog from previous intake years.

  In 2023, IRCC sent 24,200 invitations from the same 2020 pool, with a goal of accepting up to 15,000 complete applications.

  No new interest to sponsor form has opened since the original 2020 submission window, leaving anyone who missed that deadline locked out of the system entirely.

  IRCC has described the current situation as an administrative pause rather than a permanent cancellation of the program.

  https://youtu.be/DHdK9itgQX8?si=Tx1b_Lvy9CDQZhXx

  The Super Visa Remains The Best Available Alternative

  With permanent residence sponsorship off the table for new applicants, the Super Visa stands as the most practical pathway for families wanting to bring parents and grandparents to Canada.

  The Super Visa is a multiple-entry temporary resident visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

  It allows stays of up to five years per entry and provides multiple entries to Canada for up to 10 years, depending on passport validity.

  Holders can also request a two-year extension after their initial five-year stay, meaning families can stay together for up to seven consecutive years.

  IRCC recently made the Super Visa more accessible by implementing changes to the income requirement calculations effective March 31, 2026.

  Hosts now have two alternative ways to meet the income requirement under the updated rules.

  The first option lets hosts meet the income threshold using either of the two taxation years immediately preceding the application date.

  The second option allows a visiting parent or grandparent’s own income to be added toward the requirement if the host meets a minimum percentage.

  IRCC also eased the health insurance requirement in January 2025, permitting applicants to purchase coverage from international providers authorized by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions.

  Super Visa Versus PGP Sponsorship Comparison

  Feature	Super Visa	PGP Sponsorship
  Status granted	Temporary resident	Permanent resident
  Stay duration	Up to 5 years per entry	Indefinite once approved
  Visa validity	Up to 10 years	Not applicable
  Healthcare access	Private insurance required	Provincial healthcare eligible
  Work rights in Canada	No	Yes
  Path to citizenship	No	Yes after residency
  Currently accepting apps	Yes	No (paused)

  What Families Should Do Right Now

  Families who were planning to sponsor parents or grandparents in 2026 need to adjust their plans immediately.

  The most practical step is to begin a Super Visa application, which provides the longest possible stay for parents and grandparents in Canada.

  Prospective hosts should gather their Notice of Assessment documents from the Canada Revenue Agency early in the process.

  The updated Super Visa income rules that took effect on March 31, 2026, may help families that previously fell short of the income threshold.

  Private health insurance coverage of at least $100,000 from a Canadian or OSFI-authorized international provider remains mandatory for all Super Visa applicants.

  Anyone with an existing PGP application in the system should monitor their IRCC portal regularly and respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation.

  IRCC has indicated it will post updates on its official website and social media channels when new instructions regarding the PGP become available.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Can someone who missed the 2020 interest to sponsor submission window ever sponsor their parents through PGP?

  IRCC has not opened a new interest to sponsor form since 2020, and there is no confirmed timeline for when or whether a new submission window will open. Anyone who did not submit their interest-to-sponsor form during the 2020 intake period remains outside the current pool entirely. Future intake rounds and their eligibility requirements will depend on instructions the immigration minister issues at a later date, and those instructions could adopt an entirely different selection mechanism than the lottery system used since 2020.

  Does the PGP pause affect parents and grandparents who are already living in Canada on a Super Visa?

  Super Visa holders are not directly affected by the PGP pause because their status is governed by temporary residence rules rather than the family sponsorship stream. However, the pause does remove the possibility of transitioning from a Super Visa stay into a pending PGP sponsorship application during 2026. Parents and grandparents currently in Canada on a Super Visa can continue their stay, apply for extensions, and leave and re-enter the country as their visa allows, but they cannot use the PGP pathway to convert their temporary status into permanent residence until the program reopens for new applications.

  Will provinces like Quebec receive a separate PGP allocation or have their own sponsorship intake in 2026?

  Quebec operates under a distinct immigration agreement with the federal government that gives the province authority over certain selection criteria, but PGP admissions are still allocated at the federal level through the Immigration Levels Plan. The 15,000 PGP target for 2026 covers all provinces and territories, including Quebec. Quebec does not run a separate PGP intake independently of IRCC, though applications involving Quebec residents undergo additional provincial review steps that contribute to the longer processing timelines observed in that province.

  What happens if a sponsor’s income drops below the minimum requirement while their PGP application is still being processed?

  IRCC assesses income eligibility based on the three tax years preceding the application submission date, not on income at the time of decision. A sponsor whose income declined after filing would not automatically have their application rejected, provided their income met the Low Income Cut-Off threshold during the required assessment period. However, if IRCC requests updated documentation or if the sponsor needs to re-demonstrate eligibility at any stage due to application updates, a current income shortfall could create complications. Sponsors in this situation should seek guidance from a qualified immigration professional.

  Could the federal government replace the PGP with a different permanent residence pathway for parents and grandparents?

  There has been no official proposal to replace the PGP with an alternative permanent residence stream for parents and grandparents. However, the broader direction of Canadian immigration policy toward economic selection and the growing emphasis on Super Visa enhancements suggests the government may be positioning the Super Visa as the long-term primary mechanism for family reunification with older relatives. The public consultations for the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan that closed on June 30, 2026, could influence whether a structural alternative to the PGP appears in future planning documents.

  Fact Check: All figures cited in this article are sourced from the official IRCC web notice published on July 15, 2026; the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan; and IRCC processing time data updated in July 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Readers should consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a licensed immigration lawyer for guidance specific to their individual circumstances.

• 
  New Canada Immigration Consultant Regulations Effective July 15

  Sweeping federal regulations that overhaul how immigration consultants operate across Canada are officially in force as of today, July 15, 2026.

  The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants now has significantly expanded authority to discipline misconduct, impose steeper financial penalties, and manage a brand-new compensation fund for victims of consultant fraud.

  Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced these measures on May 6, 2026, when the regulatory text was published in the Canada Gazette, Part 2, under SOR/2026-68.

  Today marks the date the core regulations take effect, although certain measures—including expanded public-register disclosures—follow a phased implementation timeline.

  Whether you are an Express Entry candidate building a permanent residency profile, a foreign worker on an employer-sponsored permit, or a student navigating study permit compliance rules, this regulatory activation changes how your representative is monitored, penalized, and held accountable from this point forward.

  What Took Effect on July 15, 2026

  The regulations registered as SOR/2026-68 under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants Act activate six structural changes to consultant oversight simultaneously.

  Each change was finalized after the draft regulations went through public consultation following their initial publication in the Canada Gazette, Part 1, on December 21, 2024.

  The Governor General in Council formally made the regulations, which were registered on April 16, 2026.

  Here is exactly what changed today.

  Regulatory Change	What It Means Effective July 15
  Strengthened complaints and discipline process	The CICC can impose monetary penalties reaching up to $50,000, depending on the finding and circumstances.
  Clearer investigation procedures	Formal rules now govern how misconduct investigations are opened, conducted, and concluded, eliminating procedural ambiguity that previously delayed enforcement
  Expanded reporting requirements	The College must submit more detailed operational reports to the federal government, increasing visibility into how effectively it regulates consultants
  Compensation fund activation	The regulations establish the framework for a new compensation fund for eligible victims of dishonest conduct by licensed consultants. The College is expected to publish full claim procedures, payment rules and processing details as the fund becomes fully operational.
  Ministerial override authority	The immigration minister can appoint a person to take over College board duties if the board fails to fulfill its responsibilities.
  Enhanced public register (phased)	The CICC register must display significantly more licensee information, including business names, licence class, disciplinary history, and conditions, with full implementation beginning April 2027

  The full regulatory text is accessible in Canada Gazette, Part 2, Volume 160, Number 9.

  How the New Compensation Fund Works

  The compensation fund is one of the most consequential elements now active under the new framework.

  It establishes a formal path to compensation for eligible individuals who suffer proven financial losses because of dishonest acts by licensed immigration consultants.

  The fund operates as a separate account managed by the CICC, kept distinct from the College’s general operating budget.

  The fund will be administered separately from the College’s ordinary operations, with its financing and administration governed by the regulations, College by-laws, and supporting legal frameworks.

  Eligibility for compensation requires meeting every one of the following conditions under the regulations.

  Eligibility Requirement	Details
  Formal complaint filed	The victim must have submitted a complaint through the CICC’s official complaints process
  Dishonest act confirmed	The Discipline Committee must find that the financial loss resulted from a defined dishonest act by the licensee
  Act committed on or after November 23, 2021	The College officially began regulating consultants on this date, and the fund’s coverage starts from that point
  Discipline decision issued on or after July 15, 2026	Only decisions rendered from today onward trigger fund eligibility
  No victim complicity	Individuals who participated in or facilitated the dishonest conduct are excluded
  Complaint not previously closed	Complaints closed before July 15, 2026, and duplicate complaints are ineligible

  The regulations define dishonest acts to include theft, fraud, misappropriation of client funds, knowingly providing false or misleading information, advising a client to provide false information, and certain failures related to professional liability insurance.

  This definition matters because it draws a clear boundary around what the fund covers and, equally important, what it does not.

  A refused application caused by a consultant’s incompetence, for example, would not automatically qualify unless the refusal stemmed from one of the defined dishonest acts.

  The CICC has indicated it will publish full operational details on claim procedures, payment amounts, and processing timelines once the fund becomes fully operational.

  Why These Regulations Were Overdue

  The regulatory gap that existed before today was well documented.

  Federal data shows that IRCC reviewed an average of more than 9,000 suspected immigration-fraud cases per month in 2024, although those cases were not limited to consultant misconduct.

  Between May 2019 and April 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency charged 153 individuals with consultant-related fraud offences across the country.

  High-profile enforcement actions revealed systematic abuse, including fabricated job placements, fake offer letters targeting international students, and ghost consultants operating without any licence.

  Ontario’s provincial enforcement illustrates the scale of the problem at the regional level.

  The province penalized 18 individuals and entities with nearly half a million dollars in fines in 2025, including a single unlicensed consultant who accumulated $66,000 in penalties through seven separate enforcement orders.

  The College’s original framework, established when the CICC replaced the ICCRC in November 2021, gave the regulator foundational authority but lacked the penalty range, investigation clarity, and victim recovery mechanisms that the profession’s scale demanded.

  Today’s activation closes those structural gaps.

  Who These Active Regulations Affect

  The reach of these regulations extends to virtually every participant in Canada’s paid immigration representation ecosystem.

  Licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors face immediately heightened accountability as of today.

  Penalties for professional misconduct are now substantially higher, investigation procedures are formally codified, and the compensation fund creates a direct financial liability for dishonest conduct.

  Immigration applicants across every category benefit from the strengthened protections, including those pursuing permanent residency through Express Entry or provincial programs, family sponsorship applicants, workers navigating LMIA-based pathways, and students managing post-graduation work permit timelines.

  Employers who rely on third-party consultants for workforce immigration should also take notice, as expanded public register disclosures starting in April 2027 will make it significantly easier to verify a consultant’s standing before engaging their services.

  The regulations arrive alongside a broader tightening of the immigration system in 2026, including Bill C-12 enforcement powers and a recalibrated immigration levels plan targeting 380,000 permanent resident admissions per year.

  What the Expanded Public Register Will Show in April 2027

  While most regulations activated today, the expanded public register requirements follow a phased timeline, with full implementation scheduled for April 2027.

  The register already allows applicants to confirm whether a consultant holds a valid CICC licence.

  Starting next April, it will display substantially more information about each licensee.

  Register Field	What Applicants Will See
  Business names and contact information	Full business identity tied to each licensee, not just a personal name
  Licence class and status	Whether the individual is an RCIC or RISIA, active, suspended, or revoked
  Identification number	Unique CICC identifier for definitive verification
  Registered agents	Names of agents operating under the licensee
  Employment details	Employer name when the licensee provides services as an employee of a firm
  Conditions or restrictions	Any limitations placed on the scope of practice
  Suspensions and revocations with reasons	Full disciplinary history with stated grounds for action

  This expanded transparency will make it meaningfully harder for disciplined or suspended consultants to continue attracting clients without detection.

  In the current register, available at register.college-ic.ca, applicants can already verify licence status and check for disciplinary actions.

  Who Can Legally Provide Paid Immigration Representation in Canada

  Canadian immigration law restricts paid immigration advice and representation to three categories of authorized professionals.

  Only these individuals can legally charge you for immigration services, and anyone operating outside these groups is breaking the law regardless of their claimed qualifications.

  Authorized Category	Regulating Body
  Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs)	College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
  Lawyers and paralegals	Provincial or territorial law society in their jurisdiction
  Notaries (Quebec only)	Chambre des notaires du Quebec

  Verifying credentials before signing any agreement or making any payment is the single most effective step applicants can take to protect themselves.

  The CICC register, provincial law society directories, and the IRCC authorized representative page are the only reliable verification tools.

  Do not rely on business cards, social media profiles, or a consultant’s personal website as proof of authorization to provide paid immigration services in Canada.

  Red Flags That Signal Unauthorized or Dishonest Representation

  Today’s regulatory activation raises the stakes for dishonest practitioners, but applicants still need to recognize warning signs before engaging any representative.

  Any representative who guarantees a specific immigration outcome, such as a visa approval or a particular CRS score, is making a promise that no authorized professional can ethically deliver.

  Pressure to sign documents without full understanding, refusal to provide a written retainer agreement, or requests to submit false information on an application are immediate grounds to walk away.

  Requests for cash payments without receipts, demands to sign blank forms, or discouragement from contacting IRCC directly all indicate a consultant who is trying to avoid detection.

  If a representative discourages you from verifying their credentials on the CICC register, that alone tells you everything you need to know about their legitimacy.

  https://youtu.be/4GByCyVVBlk?si=LWlz-7gTILgd7HeS

  Before and After: How Today’s Rules Change the Landscape

  Area	Before July 15, 2026	After July 15, 2026
  Discipline penalties	Limited financial penalty range under the original CICC framework	Maximum monetary penalties of up to $50,000, subject to the regulatory framework.
  Victim compensation	No formal mechanism for financial recovery from consultant fraud	The legal framework for compensation claims takes effect, with detailed claim procedures to be finalized by the College.
  Investigation process	Procedural gaps caused delays and inconsistent enforcement outcomes	Codified investigation rules with clear steps from complaint to resolution
  Public register detail	Basic licence status and name information only	Expanded disclosure of business names, disciplinary history, conditions, and employment details (full rollout April 2027)
  Government oversight	Limited federal intervention authority over the CICC board	The minister can appoint a person to take over College board duties if the board fails to fulfil its responsibilities
  College reporting	Minimal mandated transparency on internal regulatory performance	Expanded reporting obligations giving the federal government clearer insight into College effectiveness

  This is the most significant structural upgrade to consultant regulation since the College replaced the ICCRC in November 2021.

  What Immigration Applicants Should Do Starting Today

  Confirm your consultant’s active licence status on the CICC public register at register.college-ic.ca before any further payments or document submissions.

  If you do not already have a signed written retainer agreement that clearly spells out fees, scope of services, and expected timelines, request one today.

  Maintain personal copies of every document, receipt, email, and communication related to your immigration case in a secure file that only you control.

  If you suspect fraud, unauthorized representation, or dishonest conduct, file a formal complaint through the CICC and report the situation to IRCC and your provincial enforcement authority where applicable.

  Stay current with immigration regulatory changes in 2026 and monitor how these regulations are implemented as the CICC publishes operational bylaws and fund procedures in the coming months.

  The regulations now in force represent the strongest enforcement, transparency, and victim-protection framework the immigration consulting profession has ever operated under in Canada.

  For the hundreds of thousands of applicants navigating the Canadian immigration system in 2026, these active rules mean real protections, but only if you use them by verifying credentials, demanding written agreements, and reporting misconduct when you encounter it.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  What happens to an immigration application already submitted if a consultant’s licence is revoked under the new regulations?

  Your application remains with IRCC regardless of what happens to your consultant’s licence status, because IRCC processes applications independently from the representative’s regulatory standing. However, you will need to either appoint a new authorized representative or continue as a self-represented applicant by updating the Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) and notifying IRCC of the change. Any in-progress work on your file stops the moment the consultant loses their licence, so acting quickly to secure alternative representation protects your application timelines.

  Can the compensation fund reimburse applicants whose consultants operated from outside Canada?

  The fund applies exclusively to licensees of the CICC, regardless of where they physically operate. If a consultant held a valid CICC licence at the time they committed a dishonest act, the fund may cover the resulting financial loss even if the consultant was based abroad. Unauthorized overseas agents who were never licensed by the College fall entirely outside the fund’s scope, and victims of those individuals would need to pursue recovery through other legal channels in the relevant jurisdiction.

  Does the compensation fund cover emotional distress or only direct financial losses?

  The fund is structured around financial loss caused by defined dishonest acts, not emotional or consequential damages. The regulations specify categories of dishonest conduct including theft, fraud, misappropriation of funds, knowingly providing false information, and insurance-related failures. Applicants seeking damages beyond direct financial loss would need to pursue a separate civil claim, as the CICC compensation fund is designed as a financial recovery mechanism rather than a comprehensive damages remedy.

  Will the CICC retroactively investigate misconduct complaints that were filed and closed before July 15, 2026?

  Complaints that were formally closed before today are not eligible for the compensation fund under the regulations. The regulations explicitly state that the Discipline Committee’s final decision must be issued on or after July 15, 2026. This means complaints still under active investigation or not yet decided may become eligible if the committee reaches a finding of dishonest conduct after today. However, complaints that received a final disposition before this date remain closed for fund purposes, even if the victim believes the original resolution was inadequate.

  How will the new regulations affect immigration consultants who hold dual RCIC-IRB authorization to represent clients before the Immigration and Refugee Board?

  The regulations apply to all CICC licensees uniformly, including those who hold the RCIC-IRB licence category that authorizes representation before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. The expanded discipline powers, higher penalty thresholds, compensation fund exposure, and enhanced public register disclosures apply equally regardless of licence class. RCIC-IRB holders face the same accountability framework as standard RCICs, and their expanded register entries beginning April 2027 will also display their specific licence class and any associated conditions or restrictions.

  Fact-Checked: All regulatory details in this article have been verified against the official IRCC news release published on canada.ca on May 6, 2026; the Canada Gazette, Part 2, Volume 160, Number 9 regulatory text (SOR/2026-68); and the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants public register as of July 15, 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a licensed immigration lawyer.

• 
  New Canada Privacy Law To Stop Surveillance Pricing

  The federal government has proposed a new privacy law that could fundamentally change how companies use your personal information in Canada, including putting limits on the practice of charging you higher prices based on your browsing history, location, or shopping habits.

  Bill C-36, officially called the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act, was tabled in the House of Commons on June 15, 2026, by Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon.

  If passed, this law would replace Canada’s current privacy legislation, which is now more than 25 years old and was written before smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence existed.

  The bill arrives during a year of aggressive federal consumer protection changes that have already delivered banking fee caps, cellphone fee bans, and tougher rules for digital services across the country.

  Here is what the proposed law means for everyday Canadians, explained in plain language.

  What Is Surveillance Pricing And Why Should You Care

  Surveillance pricing is the practice where companies use your personal data to charge you a different price than someone else for the exact same product or service.

  This is not the same as a sale, a coupon, or a loyalty discount that benefits you.

  Surveillance pricing works against you by using information like your location, your income bracket, your past purchases, and even the type of device you are using to determine the maximum price you are likely to pay.

  For example, surveillance pricing could theoretically allow a company to show a higher price to someone using a newer device or browsing from a wealthier postal code if its system predicts that person is willing to pay more.

  The government backgrounder for Bill C-36 specifically identifies inappropriate surveillance pricing as an unfair use of personal information that the new law is designed to address.

  Minister Solomon confirmed that if the bill passes, one of his first actions will be directing the new regulator to publish specific guidance on surveillance pricing.

  What Bill C-36 Actually Does For Canadians

  Bill C-36 would replace Part 1 of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), Canada’s current federal privacy law, with a completely new statute called the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act.

  In simple terms, the new law gives you more control over your personal information and creates real consequences for companies that misuse your data.

  Here are the key changes that matter most to everyday Canadians.

  Your Right To Have Your Data Deleted

  Under the proposed law, you would have the right to ask a company to delete your personal information in specified circumstances.

  This includes situations where the company collected your data without proper consent, where you withdrew your consent, or where the data is no longer necessary for the service you originally requested.

  The law defines disposal as permanently and irreversibly deleting personal information or anonymizing it so that it cannot reasonably be linked back to you under the law’s standard.

  This is similar to the right to erasure that already exists under the European Union’s GDPR, and it would be a first for Canadian federal privacy law.

  Transparency About Automated Decisions

  Companies that use artificial intelligence, algorithms, or any automated system to make decisions about you would be required to tell you that they are doing so.

  If the automated decision could have a legal or similarly significant effect on you, such as a credit decision, a job screening, or a pricing determination, you would have the right to request a plain-language explanation of how the decision was made.

  That explanation must include the type of personal information used, where the data came from, and the main factors that influenced the outcome.

  You would also have the right to submit written representations requesting human review of the automated decision.

  This matters because automated systems are increasingly being used to determine everything from your insurance premiums to whether you get approved for an apartment rental or a cellphone plan.

  Stronger Protection For Children’s Data

  Bill C-36 classifies the personal information of anyone under 18 as sensitive information, which triggers a higher standard of care from any company that collects it.

  Organizations would be held to a stricter standard when handling children’s data, and the new privacy commissioner would be required to consider the best interests of children when exercising any powers under the law.

  This directly responds to growing concerns about how social media platforms, gaming companies, and digital entertainment platforms collect and use data from minors.

  Meaningful Consent In Plain Language

  The current law allows many companies to bury consent in lengthy terms and conditions that nobody reads.

  Bill C-36 would require that consent be meaningful, which means companies must explain in clear and simple language exactly what information they are collecting, why they need it, and what they plan to do with it.

  Express consent would be required unless implied consent is specifically permitted under the law.

  Companies would be prohibited from forcing consumers to consent to unnecessary data collection as a condition of receiving a product or service.

  This is particularly relevant for newcomers to Canada who sign up for multiple services during their first months in the country and often agree to lengthy terms without understanding what data they are giving away.

  Data Mobility: Take Your Data With You

  The law would authorize data mobility frameworks that could let you transfer your personal information from one company to another.

  This is similar to cellphone number portability, where you can switch carriers without losing your number, except this would apply to your personal data across a broader range of services.

  The specific details of how data mobility would work will be developed through future regulations after the enabling legislation was passed.

  How The New Law Would Be Enforced

  One of the biggest weaknesses of Canada’s current privacy law is that it has limited enforcement power.

  Bill C-36 fixes this by creating a brand-new federal regulator called the Digital Safety and Data Protection Commission of Canada.

  This new commission would replace the Office of the Privacy Commissioner as the primary enforcer of private-sector privacy law.

  Unlike the current system, the new commission would have the power to issue binding orders and impose significant financial penalties on companies that violate the law.

  Financial Penalties Under Bill C-36

  Violation Type	Maximum Penalty
  Administrative monetary penalties	Up to $10 million or 3% of gross global revenue, whichever is greater
  Most serious offences	Up to $25 million or 5% of gross global revenue, whichever is greater

  To put that in perspective, a company earning $1 billion in annual global revenue could face a fine of up to $50 million for the most serious privacy violations.

  The law would also create a private right of action, meaning individual Canadians who suffer loss or injury could sue for damages after a qualifying finding, compliance agreement, or conviction becomes final.

  This is a significant shift from the current system, where Canadians who experienced the CRA data breach in 2020 had to pursue a class action lawsuit to receive compensation.

  https://youtu.be/ZJYCetmm2BY?si=QQDWJpYhUaWs3Jnv

  How Bill C-36 Compares To The Current Law

  The following table shows the key differences between PIPEDA, Canada’s existing privacy law, and the proposed Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act under Bill C-36.

  Feature	Current Law (PIPEDA)	Bill C-36 (PPCDA)
  Privacy as a right	Not explicitly stated	Recognized as a fundamental right
  Right to delete data	No formal right	Yes, right to request disposal
  Surveillance pricing	Not addressed	The government identifies it as a practice the bill is intended to address
  Automated decisions	No specific rules	Transparency and explanation required
  Children’s data	No special category	Classified as sensitive information
  Maximum penalties	Up to $100,000	Up to $25 million or 5% of global revenue
  Regulator	Privacy Commissioner (investigates; may seek court enforcement)	New Digital Safety Commission (binding orders)
  Private lawsuits	Very limited	Private right of action after qualifying finding or conviction
  Data mobility	No framework	Right to transfer data where an approved framework applies
  Cross-border transfers	Limited requirements	Privacy impact assessment required

  What The Bill Does Not Ban Outright

  It is important to understand that Bill C-36 does not ban surveillance pricing outright.

  Minister Solomon clarified that the government does not want to prevent companies from offering you better prices through loyalty programs, promotional discounts, or reward systems that benefit consumers.

  The distinction the bill draws is between using data to benefit the consumer and using data to exploit the consumer, a principle consistent with the broader consumer protection direction the federal government has taken throughout 2026.

  NDP Leader Avi Lewis criticized this approach, saying the bill does not mention surveillance pricing by name and instead relies on the new regulator to develop guidance on the issue after the law takes effect.

  This means the practical impact on surveillance pricing will depend heavily on how aggressively the new Digital Safety and Data Protection Commission chooses to enforce the rules once it becomes operational.

  Cross-Border Data Transfers And Your Privacy

  Bill C-36 introduces a new requirement that companies must conduct a privacy impact assessment before sending your personal information outside of Canada.

  This reflects growing concerns about data sovereignty, particularly when Canadian user data is stored on servers in countries with weaker privacy protections.

  If you use cloud-based services, social media platforms, or international e-commerce sites, this provision is directly relevant to how your personal information is handled once it leaves the country.

  Companies would also be required to disclose in their privacy policies whether they transfer personal information outside of Canada, which is especially relevant given the new banking fraud protection rules that require financial institutions to obtain express consent for data handling.

  When Would This Law Take Effect

  Bill C-36 received first reading on June 15, 2026, which means it has only entered the very beginning of the legislative process.

  Parliament rose for the summer on June 18, 2026, and regular sittings are scheduled to resume on September 21, 2026.

  The bill must still pass through second reading, committee study, third reading, the full Senate process, and receive Royal Assent before it becomes law, following the same process that new bail and sentencing laws went through earlier this year.

  This is Canada’s third attempt at modernizing its privacy framework after Bill C-11 died in 2021 when an election was called, and Bill C-27 died in January 2025 when Parliament was prorogued.

  If the bill passes, its coming into force will also depend on the establishment of the new Digital Safety and Data Protection Commission, which is being created under a separate bill, Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act.

  Canadians who followed the banking fee caps and the cellphone fee bans know that consumer protection laws can move through Parliament when there is enough public pressure.

  How Provincial Privacy Laws Fit In

  Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec each have their own private-sector privacy laws that are currently considered substantially similar to PIPEDA.

  If Bill C-36 passes, those provincial laws would need to be assessed against the new federal standard.

  Provinces with substantially similar private-sector privacy laws may continue to receive exemptions for covered organizations and activities, while the federal law would continue applying to federally regulated businesses and interprovincial or international commercial data flows.

  Ontario recently introduced its own consumer credit protections in July 2026, including the right to place a free security freeze on credit files, which already goes further than what federal law currently offers.

  Manitoba has also moved independently, introducing a provincial bill in March 2026 that would specifically ban retailers from using personal data to increase prices for individual consumers.

  What Canadians Should Do Right Now

  Even though Bill C-36 has not been passed yet, there are steps you can take right now to protect your personal information while navigating an increasingly digital landscape of new Canadian rules and services.

  Review the privacy settings on every app and website you use regularly, and turn off any data sharing that is not essential to the service.

  Limit location permissions, block unnecessary cookies, review app tracking settings, and avoid remaining logged in when comparing personalized prices.

  Check whether the online services you use send your data outside of Canada by reading their privacy policies.

  If you want to compare prices online, try using a private browser window to reduce the amount of stored browsing information available during price comparisons.

  Stay informed about the progress of Bill C-36 through Parliament, because the bill could be amended during committee study and the final version may look different from what was tabled in June.

  Bill C-36 would not directly govern federal institutions like IRCC, which remain subject to the federal Privacy Act, although private-sector service providers handling Canadians’ data on behalf of businesses may have obligations under the new framework.

  Bill C-36 represents the most ambitious attempt to modernize Canada’s privacy framework in over two decades.

  For everyday Canadians, the proposed law would mean stronger control over your personal information, the right to have your data deleted, clear explanations when algorithms make decisions about you, and meaningful consequences for companies that violate your privacy.

  Combined with Ontario’s new credit freeze protections and the federal banking reforms, 2026 is shaping up to be the most significant year for Canadian data and consumer rights in over two decades.

  The surveillance pricing provisions, while not an outright ban, signal that the federal government views the practice of using your data to charge you more as a serious consumer protection issue.

  Canada’s Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne welcomed the bill, noting he was pleased to see recommendations for recognizing privacy as a fundamental right, protecting children’s data, and requiring privacy impact assessments reflected in the legislation.

  The biggest risk is that this bill could die in Parliament just like its two predecessors, leaving Canadians stuck with a 25-year-old privacy law in an age of artificial intelligence and algorithmic pricing.

  July 2026 has already delivered 10 major federal law changes across criminal justice, benefits, and professional regulation, and Bill C-36 could be the next blockbuster consumer reform if it survives the fall sitting.

  Whether Bill C-36 survives the legislative process will depend on how much Canadians push their members of Parliament to prioritize passing it when the House resumes in September 2026.

  This bill arrives alongside a broader wave of consumer protection reforms in 2026 that have already eliminated telecom fees, capped bank charges, and strengthened data-sharing rules across the country.

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Would Bill C-36 apply to companies based outside Canada that serve Canadian customers?

  The proposed law applies to organizations that collect, use, or disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities. If a foreign company provides services to Canadians and its commercial data-processing activities have a real and substantial connection to Canada, it could fall within the scope of the law. The enforcement mechanism for international companies would rely on the new Digital Safety and Data Protection Commission’s ability to issue orders and penalties, though practical enforcement across borders remains a challenge that regulators worldwide are still working to address.

  Can I ask a company to delete my data right now under the current law?

  PIPEDA gives you the right to access your personal information held by a company and to challenge its accuracy, but there is no formal right to deletion under the current law. Quebec’s provincial privacy law already includes a right to request de-indexation and cessation of dissemination. Bill C-36 would be the first time a formal right to request disposal is included in federal privacy legislation, giving all Canadians across the country the same baseline protection regardless of which province they live in.

  How is Bill C-36 different from the EU’s GDPR that I keep hearing about?

  The General Data Protection Regulation is the European Union’s privacy law that has been in effect since 2018 and is considered one of the strongest privacy frameworks in the world. Bill C-36 borrows several concepts from the GDPR, including the right to deletion, transparency requirements for automated decisions, and significant financial penalties for violations. However, the Canadian bill uses language like having a legal or similarly significant effect as the threshold for automated decision transparency, which is closer to but not identical to the GDPR standard. Canada’s proposed penalties (up to $25 million or 5% of global revenue) are comparable to the GDPR (up to 20 million euros or 4% of global revenue), signalling that Canada wants to be taken just as seriously on enforcement.

  Would loyalty programs and rewards still be allowed under the new law?

  Yes, Minister Solomon specifically clarified that the government does not intend to eliminate loyalty programs, promotional discounts, or reward systems that benefit consumers. The law targets situations where personal data is used to exploit consumers by charging them higher prices, not situations where data is used to offer better deals. However, the exact boundary between a beneficial loyalty program and exploitative surveillance pricing will need to be defined through regulatory guidance once the new commission is operational, which is why the minister committed to directing the regulator to publish surveillance pricing guidance as a first priority.

  What happens to complaints I have already filed with the Privacy Commissioner under PIPEDA?

  Bill C-36 would transfer private-sector privacy oversight from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner to the new Digital Safety and Data Protection Commission. The government has indicated it will consult stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition between the two bodies. Transitional provisions in the legislation would need to address how existing complaints, ongoing investigations, and pending compliance agreements are handled during the changeover, but those details will be finalized as the bill moves through committee study and the regulatory framework is developed.

  Fact-Checked: All legislative details, penalty amounts, and regulatory structures in this article are verified against the official text of Bill C-36 on the Parliament of Canada website, the Government of Canada backgrounder, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner’s statement, and analysis from McCarthy Tetrault, DLA Piper, Gowling WLG, Bennett Jones, Fasken, and Baker McKenzie as of July 2026.

  Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Bill C-36 is a proposed law at first reading and may be amended or may not pass. Readers should consult a qualified privacy or consumer-law lawyer for advice specific to their circumstances.